Was anyone else expecting Joan Baez-meets-Four Tet? The hype surrounding Goulding's debut album was colossal (a Smiths reunion would've got less coverage) and with it came the idea that she would bring us on a fascinating journey. She hasn't, but 'Lights' is a decent pop album.
Given a full-on, slick production, Goulding's sound is glammed up with keyboards, programming and effects - as if her voice and acoustic guitar have been dropped onto chart-conscious backing tracks.
Thankfully, she still manages to convince that she doesn't need such fussiness and that there's more to her than this record allows her to show.
Goulding deserves some patience, and to take more risks in return.
Harry Guerin
