What I'm Listening To: AURORA

Her new album is a masterpiece.

Hi Friends —

This is a quick post to tell you about a new album you MUST listen to. I’ve been anticipating this one for awhile and I can’t believe my ears.

Norwegian singer/songwriter AURORA’s new record What Happened to the Heart? has dropped and it is a masterpiece. Every track is a surprise. Every lyric and rhyme is inspired. Her full vocal range is celebrated here, from her quiet whispers to vibrant screams, and this time around she even channels Kate Bush-like low & husky chants of dark dreaminess. Aurora is the new Peter Gabriel — a pop sensation of substance, soul and deep art. This album will heal your heart and sustain you in your dark places. It understands.

Here’s a sample video and track — one of the most powerful ones — although quite honestly I can’t pick one. You need to plug the whole album into your ears.

I was first introduced to Aurora’s music when my daughter Ariel did a solo dance in 2018 to her song “Running with the Wolves” and I got intrigued and hooked. This song was used years later in Cartoon Saloon’s animated film WOLFWALKERS (which you also need to watch, if you haven’t). I’ve been a fan and listened to all she’s done ever since.

In addition to her voice and artistry, I like Aurora because she’s weird and hilarious — I could listen to her read the phone book.

The internet won’t let me embed these short videos, so here are links to:

Why you shouldn’t leave your kids with Aurora.

and

How to act when you see an attractive person.

You’re welcome. Now go listen.