CheekyChicago

Though the weather outside is frightful, it’s ok. Singer-songwriter Angel Taylor’s soulful voice will warm you up in no time. Her songs have the innocence of Colbie Caillat (which isn’t surprising, considering the two worked with the same producer – Mikal Blue), the smooth vibe of Corinne Bailey Rae, and the earnestness of early Nelly Furtado.

Taylor’s songs on her debut album, Love Travels, speak about the concept in all its different forms – from the initial daydream about someone you’re waiting to ask you out to letting someone go and the empowering feeling that might accompany it.  “Chai Tea Latte” revolves around “Mr. Perfect”: “People might compliment our chocolate and vanilla skin/and how it looks so good together mixed in/’Cause without you my flavor is a little plain/And no one likes plain things.”

She plays the dating game on “Make Me Believe” – even though she knows a guy is messing with her, she’s willing to go along with it – and might just give him a taste of his own medicine: “You wonder why this girl won’t answer/When you call and romance her/You’re so amazed that I don’t pay you attention these days.”

“Lightning Strikes” is heavy on the piano to simulate feelings in a relationship being like an imminent storm. It’s this song that really allows Taylor’s voice to shine through. Even though she’s singing, “I really cannot control it,” her voice is measured and powerful from beginning to end.

And on the other end of the love spectrum, there’s “Epiphany” and “Not Even Human”. In the former, she realizes that the feelings she experienced were nowhere near what true love should be. On the latter, the listener can hear her heart almost break as her voice cracks: “But you’re not even human/You’re just a lovely idea of one.”

For fans of pop music, this will be your new soundtrack to chill out to – especially after you have dealt with or even while you’re battling outside conditions.