On the 6th of December 2024, Ego Ella May released Field Notes: Complete, a stunning compilation album that brings together the artist’s FIELDNOTES EP series to a close. In her interview with Notion, May stated that this series started during the pandemic, a time of uncertainty and confusion. The worldwide turmoil of the moment compelled many people to confront their vulnerabilities and reconsider their relationships with themselves and others. For May, this creative project became a way to process those turbulent emotions, channelling the collective sense of instability into something deeply personal and universally resonant.

Known for her soulful voice, smooth tone, and heartfelt lyrics, May delivers an album that captures the complexities of life with grace, depth, and a deeply personal touch. This is a record of “life and love”, making it an exploration of what it means to be human in today’s world. Her first track, ‘Breathe’, assembles her simultaneously airy and earthy voice, opening the album by reminding listeners not to put pressure on themselves but to enjoy the beauty of life. Her lyrics, “Who says I need to do anything, I could just breathe, take it all in”, prompt listeners to pause, relax, and breathe in this fast-paced world, thus setting the scene and flow into the rest of the album. May’s ability to explore uncertainty, vulnerability, and resilience stands out in songs like ‘Beautiful Days’ offering hope and optimism with lines like “I can see the sun”.

Meanwhile, ‘Liminal Space’ delves into the grey areas of love and relationships, using intricate guitar and drum arrangements to underline the emotional weight of the ending of a relationship and the inability to go back to how it was. The dichotomy of knowing and not knowing, certainty and doubt, is expressed in ‘YoYo’. At a glance, the song seems to explore the uncertainty of everyday life, especially during the pandemic, making her music relatable. However, in her interview with Notion, she revealed that ‘YoYo’ serves as her reflection on the experience of believing she understands others, only to realise she does not.

In ‘I Feel Something’, May reflects on the human experience of emotion, even when it’s painful. With lyrics like “Burnt my tongue on coffee, but at least I feel something,” she points out that feeling, whether positive or negative, is an essential part of being alive. This track is followed by her collaboration with Flwr Chyld on ‘Speck of Dust,’ emphasizing our small place in the world and encouraging us not to worry. The contrast between this existential reflection and the grounded reassurance of ‘Breathe’ reinforces the album’s overarching message: to embrace life’s complexities rather than run away.

May’s signature smooth, soulful and distinctive tone is undeniably captivating. The Field Notes‘ greatest strength is its emotional authenticity and musical cohesiveness, although listeners looking for greater experimentation in rhythm and sound might find the album somewhat predictable in places. Whether May is being humorous and reflective on ‘Introvert Hotline’, encapsulating a desire for personal space and controlled communication, or embodying the idea of releasing the past on ‘Undone’, her voice remains a constant thread of authenticity throughout. Her new song, ‘Winter Sun’, is perfect for those dark winter days when the sun finally breaks through and everything feels right again. The recurring lyric, “And I don’t want anything more / It’s freeing” underlines this sense of contentment with the little things.

At its core, Field Notes: Complete balances themes of love and self-awareness. Tracks like ‘Take It Easy (Miles’ Song)’ reflect on the struggles of living in a chaotic city like London, while ‘Higher Self’ shifts the focus inward, celebrating self-love and growth with lyrics of “It’s easy to fall in love with yourself”. These contrasts highlight May’s range as an artist and exploring different dimensions of life. The album closes with a bonus track, ‘Miss U’, which beautifully captures May’s vulnerability. Despite the emotional journey through love and life that the compilation album takes us on, this track reveals that she still feels the weight of missing someone, adding a layer of humanness and emotional depth to the overall narrative. Whether this is your first encounter with Ego Ella May or you’ve followed her journey for years, Field Notes: Complete is a worthwhile listen. It’s a work of art that captures what it means to be human, with life’s ups and downs, reminding us to slow down and breathe. For fans of neo-soul and jazz, May’s artistry will feel like home. Her voice is both graceful and grounding, offering wisdom wrapped in velvet tones.

8/10

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