Aleah Starbridge’s Spirit Lives Forever in Her Self-Titled Album Aleah
On July 1st, the world will hear Aleah, the solo album by Aleah Starbridge. On April 18th 2016, Aleah passed away from cancer. But her soul lives on and this album honors her amazing talent.
Aleah has been involved in various projects throughout her musical career. She first came to the limelight when she was featured on the song “Don’t Lose Your Way” by Swedish electronic musician Krister Linder. From here, she started releasing her own solo material and joined the band That Which Remains as their lead singer.
Aleah and Swallow the Sun guitarist Juha Raivio formed the gothic doom band, Trees of Eternity. Aleah appeared on various Swallow the Sun material such as the song “Lights on the Lake,” she contributed to the album Emerald Forest and the Blackbird, Songs From the North I, II, and III, and even more. She was also a guest vocalist on Under the Red Cloud by Amorphis.
Aleah is very deep and emotional, but beautiful. Aleah’s music brought me to tears — and that says something because I don’t cry easily.
The album has a melancholy feel to it. Aleah’s haunting voice over acoustic guitars creates a mysterious vibe. But the album itself isn’t sad. Every song conveys a sense of sentiment.
This is evident from the first song, “Vapour.” The song is almost ethereal — all guitars and vocals are delicate but Aleah makes her presence known. She enchants the listener with every melody and word she sings. There is a lyric video for this song, I suggest everyone watches it. The beautiful lyrics will capture any listener: “silent kisses on my neck/though the veils/you have come/burning up my last defense/as we merge into one/shining vapor I become/hold me closer as I rise/we dissolve into one.”
There is also a lyric video for the song “My Will.” The lyric video is available in its original acoustic version. “My Will” is very peaceful but Aleah conveys a powerful message: “guide me home/to where I know/my own throne/and my will/is my own.” Aleah’s soothing voice and the calming guitar is all you need to create a masterpiece like this song. Anyone will feel empowered by her message, inspiring all listeners to seek out their heart and soul.
There are plenty of distinctive songs, such as “Closing Under Pressure.” Instead of the delicate voice we heard on previous songs, Aleah’s voice radiates with so much power. She sings in a more upbeat melody, leaving the listener spellbound as they listen to every word of the song. This song has a lot of soul and will surely be a favorite for listeners.
The albums ends with “Touch My Face.” It’s a very light song but has a beautiful meaning. Take these lyrics from the chorus: “these are the moments that I live for/these are the gifts that keep me sane.” It’s a very passionate song and will make any listener feel joy. “Touch My Face” is a beautiful way to end an album that will live eternally in our hearts.
Aleah is a special album because it unravels Aleah’s creative mind. This album is all her own, where she was able to express her talents and create her own beautiful music. The acoustic nature is authentic and fits perfectly with the album’s atmosphere.
Aleah has been guided to her home. She’s sitting in her throne. Aleah’s will is her own and her spirit will forever live on in her music.
