Greetings dearest gentle readers and music lovers lets give a warm warm welcome to Canadian singer and songwriter Lily Roche. Lily just released a 14-song album called “Home is a House You Built”. The album was released on 20th August. Let’s talk about this album in greater detail

The album’s title track is “The One”. The song opens with very bright and vibrant guitar riffs. The song talks about a one-sided romantic relationship. The character in the song describes how much time and effort she put into the relationship with the hope that one day he would reciprocate her affection(”but you were never meant to be the one oh no, oh, oh, even though I really wished you were the one”). Musically, the guitar sounds are so tender and so is Roche’s voice. The song really brings you to the moment when Roche wrote this song. Relationships like the one described in the song are difficult to navigate. Most times it ends up with a messy breakup where one party is really hurt, nonetheless, this song makes you feel seen and it will resonate deeply with you. The song is so beautiful and it welcomes you to the album so gracefully

“Over and over” is the next song on the album. The intro of the song is an operatic piano sound mixed with even softer guitar strums. The song is about a relationship where the love was only coming from one person(”I already knew we’re doomed”). This character knows that she deserves more than what her current partner is offering. The song’s melody, lyrics, and vocal performance are just heavenly sounds that will soothe your ear and your soul. The song shows how people going back to a person who doesn’t deserve you looks like. It’s a harsh truth and a wake-up call for listeners and we thank Roche for sharing it with us.

The next song is called “GOLD”. The song has a breathtaking intro that will captivate you instantly. The character in the song doesn’t feel loved or seen so asks her lover using various instances if he loved her (” If I turned to gold, would you want me”). She just wants to be loved and feels insecure and needs to feel secure. Aside from the relationship the persona talks about how sometimes we lose who we really are just to be loved or accepted in this world or the relationships we are in. The song is tremendous because Roche showcases her beautiful voice and the harmonies are just perfect and stunning

Next up is the song “Broken Ceramic”. The song starts with very tender guitar strums so very delicious. In the song, the persona has had enough of being taken for granted and trampled upon. Mid song she even questions if he even respects her. This persona after some time, realizes that she hadn’t done anything wrong and finally sees him what he truly is, likening him to broken ceramic, signifying that he is broken beyond repair. (”you’re broken ceramic, I don’t let it hurt me”)Roche gives another Grammy worthy vocal performance and the instrumentation is just divine

Next is the song “Worthwhile”. The short intro of this song is a pulsating synth sound. The character in the song is trying to get the attention of someone she likes, she tries to make him smile and hopes that he will pursue her (” Tell me I’m worthwhile “). Roche sings an angel floating in the air and you will be entirely captivated by this stunning song

“My dear” is the song up next. The intro of this song is these lively and bold piano sounds that will captivate you right from the start. This relationship described in the song is an unhealthy relationship where the character feels like her self-worth is tied to the partner she’s with (”love me please, because I’m nothing without you”). This song might be glorifying toxic relationships or celebrating how love feels like, either way, the song was emotive, Roche sold me and had me hanging onto her every lyric

“It’s no use” is the next song on the album. The song’s intro is these ethereal mouth percussions. In the song, the character is tired and fed up with her partner’s behavior, being distant, being absent, and a lot of other things (”it was my fault for staying for too long”). She has gotten to a point where she is tired of defending his actions and realizes that it is no use trying to fix her relationship The vocal performance is very beautiful and you will just fall in love with this particular track

“Seatbelt Sign” is the next song. The song opens with guitar and synth-pop sounds. This song has a majestic presence right from the start but it didn’t end. This presence is carried throughout the song. The song is very operatic and the violin solo was just drop-dead gorgeous.

Next is the song “You should have picked me”. The song jumps right into the vocals. The song tells the story of a character who is telling a person who she connected with that she’s glad he’s happy with his current partner but he should have picked her. The song is very immersive and it morphs into a fast-paced rock song with a very heavy beat. Right before the song ends it turns back into a ballad. This song was an unexpected ride and will delight you

Next is “Good enough”. The intro is grand, glacial, and intricate piano notes. The song is a sad story about a character who doesn’t feel good enough for anyone. This is something that even the most confident person struggles with. The song reminds us that it’s okay to feel that way sometimes. I applaud Roche for this inspiring track and it’s advisory nature

Next is “Gold (acoustic)”. This song is the stripped-down version of the original song “Gold”. Because it’s stripped down you can hear and appreciate Roche’s full voice in all its glory and appreciate the song’s meaning even better than before

The concluding song on the album is “Home is a House You Built”. The song starts with a heavy and pronounced panting sound mixed with a dark piano synth sound. The song then continues with a stunning violin sound, bass, and piano melodies. Let’s not forget the most gorgeous mouth percussions inculcated into the song. The song had no words but spoke volumes and it was a perfect goodbye to the album

This was an amazing album. Most of the songs were profound and Roche’s voice was as beautiful as Grammy-winning artist Billie Ellish. People love Billie because of her emotive, profound, and soothing music and that is exactly how Roche performs. Just like Billie, she too, makes music in that same vein. Roche might not know it but she is extremely talented and she will rise above no matter what.

Stream the “Home is a House You Built” album on Spotify

Follow Lily Roche on her socials; Instagram, TikTok, YouTube