Review

Six albums in, and Amy Macdonald still knows how to strike that perfect balance between stadium-sized ambition and heartfelt storytelling. This record is no faceless pop factory fodder—it’s brimming with character, grit and those Scottish landscapes she’s made her own. From the opening chords of the title track, it’s clear she’s reasserted her voice—a driving, cymbal-crashing anthem that pulses with frustration at the streaming-fed “demand” for artists to constantly produce. Co-produced by Jim Abbiss and Nicolas Rebscher, there’s a freshness to the production—shimmering guitars roughly sanded with raw energy. Lyrically, the album refuses to settle. “Trapped” tackles toxic friendships with punchy percussion; “Can You Hear Me?” channels stadium-pop euphoria while still pleading for genuine human connection. Meanwhile “I’m Done (Games That You Play)” is outright liberation—an 80s-tinged breakup anthem for anyone who’s finally had enough. That said, Amy never abandons her softer side. Acoustic ballads like “The Hope” and “One More Shot” shimmer with subtle emotion, another reminder that she understands the power of restraint. And “We Survive” is the emotional beating heart—a testament to resilience, delivered not with fanfare but quiet, lived-in conviction. Critics have been divided. Some praise its emotional clarity and arena-smarts, while others call it mildly pleasant but too familiar—describing it as “outmoded pop‑rock” that lacks risk. And indeed, while the melodies never shame her roots, a little more sonic daring might have elevated things. Yet perhaps that’s precisely the point. Amy Macdonald isn’t chasing trends—she’s writing for herself and, in doing so, giving listeners something solid, honest and, yes, comforting. The album doesn’t scream; it speaks. It’s the musical equivalent of a quiet evening in—less fireworks, more warmth. For fans who want heartfelt lyrics wrapped in melodic assurance, this is exactly what they’ve been waiting for. **Verdict:** A confident, emotionally grounded record that doesn’t reinvent the wheel—but sometimes all you need is a steady hand at the helm.

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