Album Review: ‘Blue Star’ by Lauren Dillen

On September 4, Toronto-based indie-folk artist Lauren Dillen released her debut EP Blue Star. Anchored in identity and how those around us shape it, Dillen seeks to find her truth throughout her work. The album is heavily centred on musical production, featuring a folk-inspired sound and the use of a pipe organ, making for a dynamic and sound-driven EP. 

The album’s opening, “Overture,” plunges the listener into the universe Lauren has created. The pipe organ’s unique, fantastical sound creates a whimsical feel that wraps the listener into the album. The first song, “Chains, Rings,” shifts the focus to soft guitar melodies and airy vocals. While a strong start lyrically, the song fails to match the quality and uniqueness of the rest of the songs on the EP. It eases you into the overall tone of the album, but this song fades into the background against more creative songs with better vocal and production quality.

The following two songs were by far the most creative and heart-wrenching additions to the album. Track two, “Deepest Part of Love,” perfectly balances all that makes this album great. Alongside a really interesting backing track that felt like an extension of the overture, the song perfectly balances the vocals and thought-provoking lyrics about perfection and forgiveness. “One More Time for the Road,” the first track to be released, is probably the most vulnerable on the album. The lyrics are clear and beautifully sung, and you can feel the emotions behind the words. Although less expressive musically, the track lets you get to know the artist on a deeper level. 

The rest of the album is equally interesting, with a few faults. “Blue Star” is a unique addition, best described as a static sound being broken up by sounds of the pipe organ. While I didn’t understand this track on the first listen, upon further reflection, I can respect the artist’s intention to have us slow down and be patient. 

Second to last is “Candles,” a great, guitar-focused song that explores growing apart from the ones you love. Musically, “Wildflowers In America” is the most disconnected track, as the pipe organ has little to no support against isolated vocals. However, the song’s message about the texture of shared moments and how others shape our growth makes for a fantastic ending. 

Blue Star is a fun listen. Each song is different and fresh, while still connecting to the overall theme and tone. Listening to this album from front to back, you can clearly see Dillen’s growth as both an individual and an artist. Some songs stick out lyrically, some allow Dillen to shine vocally, and some tracks captivate you by their uniqueness. The biggest strength of this album is definitely the musical production, and it is by far what makes this EP so special.