Feist: "Let It Die" (Album Review)

Genres: Indie Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Chamber Pop

After listening to Let It Die, it’s easy to see how this was the album that brought widespread attention to Feist, drawing eyes from not only Canada, but other countries as well, and earning her critical acclaim. Feeling like a tender hug on a particularly dreary day, Feist’s vocals are definitely the focal point of the album. From ideas about finding peace in a rural lifestyle to reconciliations over old relationships, these concepts are all able to find refuge in the warmth of Feist’s voice.

Just because Let It Die primarily has qualities of softness and not of extravagance, does not mean that there is a lack of agency. Soft does not equal timid, which Feist displays with her prominent presence, never feeling like she is hidden away on her own album. To that extent, she clearly showcases her talent as both a writer and a singer. "Mushaboom" is a song about yearning, and imagining a different life. What makes this song so compelling is Feist’s pure authenticity and unwillingness to deviate from her own personal style. We get a real look into her headspace and her vivid imagery allows us to experience the same emotion that she does. 

The covers on Let It Die surprised me with their strong sense of independence, separating themselves by being more than remakes of the original songs. “Secret Heart'' is more upbeat and bouncy than the original Ron Sexsmith version. All the bossa nova instrumentation is a departure from the original that proves to be a welcome change. Although the context is different, there is still the sentiment of a distant love. Much of the same could be said about “Inside And Out”, which is a cover of “Love You Inside and Out” by The Bee Gees. Although the disco roots of the song are evident in the cover, it is translated through more precise instrumental and striking percussion. This, alongside the conviction heard through Feist's vocals, makes "Inside And Out" a standout track from the entire album. All of this plays an important role with helping Let It Die feel like one cohesive body of work from a singular artist.

The major issue that prevents me from being as engrossed as I could be, is what I consider to be an issue of direction. While there are songs like “Secret Heart” and “Let It Die” that present an idea, and remain captivating through the ways in which these ideas are carried out, I just can’t say the same about some other songs. “Lonely Lonely” is an example of a song that would be strengthened if it wasn’t affected by this problem. The song as it is works best from a conceptual standpoint. Feist’s lyricism is colorful and gripping, her vocals are still strong, but there are too many problems compositionally. “Lonely Lonely” advances at a snail’s pace, which is only exemplified by the sparse instrumentation. The difference between the instrumentation here compared to other songs is the difference between being basic versus being simple.

Let It Die may not be faultless, but that definitely does not detract from the numerous stellar qualities of the album. Feist chooses to work on a smaller scale for many of the songs here, and it works to great effect. The feelings of closeness and passion form a direct connection to the listener. Not only are powerful emotions expressed and acknowledged, but they are received as well. Let It Die is a beautiful work of a singer-songwriter truly coming into their own, and it serves as a fantastic self-assertion.

Favorite Tracks: Inside And Out, Now At Last, Secret Heart, One Evening, Let It Die, Mushaboom

Least Favorites: When I Was A Young Girl, Lonely Lonely

Enjoyment: Low 8

Critically: Low 8

Arbitrary Number: 8.2