Amy Studt - Happiest Girl in the Universe

  by Zena Grieg

published: 11 / 11 / 2019

---

Review

Throughout her career the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Amy Studt has battled with adversity and this new album, ‘Happiest Girl in the Universe’, her first in ten years, shows the stark and candid imprint of her personal experience. Rising to fame in her teens,Amy’s first single was ‘Just a little Girl’ released in 2002. It was followed by ‘Misfit’, her highest charting UK single. Then, Amy went missing from the music scene in 2009 following a breakdown. During the subsequent years Amy crafted the eleven tracks for this album, recorded with Hatcham Social’s Toby Kidd. The record is pervaded by a fragile, intimate voice, sparse instrumentation and ethereal lyrics, producing a darker, more soulful sound than before. ‘Happiest Girl in the Universe’ is a diary of an uncompromising journey through depression and on to hope and redemption. Each song is like a chapter in an autobiography of exploration, carried by an intimate yet powerful voice. This is haunting pop reminiscent of the dramatic repertoire of Scott Walker, set against a cinematic background most noticeable in ‘The Water’ with its brooding piano accompaniment. The album features new singles ‘Sleepwalker’, ‘I was Jesus in Your Veins’ and the title track. This innovative collection of work with its control of stark themes including addiction and depression shows a talented and original artist uncompromisingly confronting and making sense of her life experience. Amy Studt carries her audience with her in a raw but ultimately inspiring journey.

Track Listing:-

1 I Was Jesus In Your Veins
2 Let The Music Play
3 Sleepwalker
4 Overdose
5 The Water
6 One Is The Only Number
7 This Time
8 Different Coloured Pills
9 Violently With Love
10 Troubles Coming In
11 Happiest Girl In The Universe