After teasing us with snippets of her album such as “White Tiger” and “Give Me Love“, the long awaited anticipation for Izzy Bizu’s debut album is finally over. Friday, September 2, 2016 marked the day, that 22 year old Izzy Bizu released her first album A Moment Of Madness.
The album consists of seventeen tracks, each showcasing her incredible vocal ability and her musical range. The album clearly tells a story, which is emphasised through the different genres, capturing the different moods, and emotions. There certainly is an equal balance of genres which evidently shows that it is an album that different people can vibe to.
The different feels of the album are demonstrated through the funk to R&B, jazz, soul and pop genres. Tipped in 2015 as one to watch by everyone including the BBC and the BRIT Awards, Bizu has definitely proven why she was deserving of that title and why her album is not one to be overlooked.
Bizu has come a long way from when she was first introduced to us via her Coolbeanz EP in 2013, and on the Glastonbury stage in 2014. She has been able to grace a stage which many have dreamt of. She’s supported the likes of Rudimental, Sam Smith and Foxes, before she then went on to sign with Epic Records.
It is evident throughout the album that her music can be compared to the late Amy Winehouse and at other times, Tove Lo and Paloma Faith. These similarities can be made from the song “White Tiger”, which has a Motown feel. Despite the evident inspiration or similarities, overall she does a good job in establishing her own sound.
The first song on the album is titled “Diamond“, the hook in the first track “You’re a diamond in the rough” is a great introduction which suggests the initial struggle within the story, which is the struggle of musicians when pursuing their musical journeys.
This is emphasised with the line “take me to the promise land“. This idea of storytelling originates from Bizu writing poems before choosing the path of a singer. In a recent interview with BBC Breakfast she talks about how she initially started singing: “I put the poems to the piano and started writing songs”.
Where “Diamond” is slow, introducing her fears possibly, “White Tiger” however, shows her regained new confidence, and really exudes her musical versatility. The song is the perfect pop/funk song, with the catchy line “white, white tiger“; it is a fun and perfect summer song.
The album generally continues with this fun and summer feeling feel, with the ever-present sound of drums taking centre place in helping create this feeling. Bizu works very close to get the most authentic feel with a wide range of instruments, which makes sense considering her ability to play the piano.
A song that looks to set a big wave is “What Makes You Happy” and “Mad Behaviour” which could be likened to an Adele ballad. If there was any critique I would give, it would be that the album lacks, at some times, that big momentum that you would expect all throughout. It is very much up and down, going from upbeat to ballads and back to upbeat. However, I put that down to the storytelling.
It is crazy to think of her age, and the incredible versatility that she has delivered. If anything, this is very assuring, if she can provide such an amazing body of work right now then the future for Izzy Bizu is very promising! Out now via Sony Music UK, purchase Izzy Bizu’s A Moment Of Madness on iTunes here.
Words by Elizabeth Abby
