Glow is the third studio album from South African artist Alice Phoebe Lou, bursting with post-COVID introspection and proclamations of love, which the artist had previously tiptoed around. It hosts various generic influences, creating a somewhat retro sound. You’d expect to find Glow scoring an old romantic film. You shouldn’t be surprised to find yourself staring out of your window, thinking about the lover you’re far away from in that precious moment (whether they’re real or imaginary).
The most apt description of the sound on Glow is that it sparkles. A playful approach to production ensures that the sound is romantic and pretty and haunting. Lou’s voice is clear and dreamy, and somewhat vulnerable, as she employs a wavering melody throughout ‘Glow’ and ‘Mother’s Eyes’. In ‘How to Get Out Of Love’ that vulnerability becomes explicit, as Lou explores tough preparations for a break up. It’s sad and comforting, and Lou’s sound never allows her listener to fall too far into despair. The next track, ‘Heavy / / Light as Air’ lifts to a more upbeat tone, which is reassuring and needed in the rhythm of the album. Ending with ‘Lovesick’, Lou concludes her exploration with a celebration about the joy and relief that can be found in relationships and crushes. Glow suggests that, though it’s hard, love is one of the best things we do.
“Will break and then mend your heart.”
