Little Bug: An Album Review

Gabrielle Papillon: Little Bug                                  

Genre: Folk/ Acoustic

Release Date: September 25, 2012

Note: All music is by Gabrielle Papillon. Jenn Grant is featured as a guest vocalist on "Turn Left".

Tracks:                                                                          Rating:

Go Into the Night                                                         9/10

Oh My Favourite                                                           7.5/10

Turn Left                                                                          8/10

Little Bug                                                                         8.5/10

Concrete of the City                                                        7/10

Coccinelle                                                                         9/10

Moonless Night                                                              8/10

                                                                 He Knows                                                                         7/10

                                                                 Judah on His Knees                                                     7.5/10

                                                                In The Pines                                                                    8.5/10

                                                                I am Sold                                                                           8.5/10

Average Score:                                                             8/10

Thoughts:

     Gabrielle Papillon's soothing voice resonates within the listener, taking away all of their strife. Little Bug, Papillon's latest release, features 11 tracks - each one with a common sound, yet each having a unique flare in their own way.

     From the moment I began to listen to this album, I especially enjoyed the soothing piano introduction in "Go Into the Night"; it brought my mind to a tranquil place, wherein I pictured a peaceful, lush garden. I was placed in a relaxed state, and I continued listening to the song. I found the lyrics very endearing - "Let the sign post guide you back to me." I felt that this lyric, among others in the song, allows the listener to feel at peace and feel as if Papillon wants you to return back to her, no longer feeling lost.

     "Oh My Favourite" is another notable track on this album. It has more of a county sound in comparison to the other songs on Little Bug, which is heard right from the song's introduction. Traces of banjo, and the chosen combination of chords played give it this country-sounding quality, which is very distinct from other songs on this album.

     One song in the album is sung completely in French - "Coccinelle". Although not everybody may understand the French lyrics, it has a quality to it that draws the listener in to it. Perhaps it is Gabrielle Papillon's voice itself, the a cappella harmonies which back the track, or maybe a combination of both that have this effect on the listener. Either way, this song is definitely a highlight on the album.

     Overall, I would say that this album deserves praise because it is refreshing to hear this music genre, as it is not very prevalent on mainstream radio stations. Gabrielle Papillon revitalizes folk music with the juxtaposition of her calming voice, accompanied by her upbeat instrumentals. With tracks featuring guitar, banjo, and even violin, there is something for everybody on this album that caters to their musical palettes.