Whitney Lyman has drawn the curtains on her new EP, Becoming You. On the cover, a portrait of the Los Angeles based singer lies against a backdrop of an orange, clouded sky, a subtle nod to Joni Mitchell’s classic record Clouds. Inside, listeners are greeted with a collection of songs that sound exactly how this imagery feels: colourful, touched with magic, and opening a doorway into Lyman’s world of emotional self-discovery.
From the very first note, it is clear you have stepped into a timeless new realm, one crafted from lush acoustic soundscapes and Lyman’s Stevie Nicks–esque vocals. While she channels the golden age of Laurel Canyon songwriting, there is something distinctly modern and pop-leaning about her sound, a blend that could carry her seamlessly into the mainstream of folk and Americana.
Supermoon is more of a transportation than a song, cloaked in harmonies that feel like whispers of epic love tales and faraway fantasy lands, all woven from the depth of her own singular voice. Written after a songwriting retreat in North Wales, this enchanting track reveals a realm beyond the ordinary, infusing her music with spirituality and vivid storytelling.
Yet while Becoming You sweeps us up into its radiant, cloud-filled skies, at its heart lies an intimate portrait of a young woman stepping fully into herself, confronting the obstacles, lessons, and practices that have shaped her along the way. The title track captures this message in euphoric form, a balancing act between personal battles and societal expectations, and a recognition of the beauty in imperfection that fuels her transformation.
Solid Ground, which earned radio acclaim, brings a shot of rock grit to the record, a vow to persevere midway through her journey toward self-acceptance and the realization that empowerment was always within reach. Then comes All About Love, a shimmering reminder that love and authenticity shine brighter than material success or external validation. With its soaring melodies and rich, 90s-tinged production, it is one of the EP’s most heartfelt highlights.
Elsewhere, the hypnotic Undoing lulls listeners into a trance-like state, while orchestral renditions featuring masterful string arrangements from Andrew Joslyn add a cinematic, almost anthemic dimension to the record. Across each song, Lyman keeps the emotional palette transformative, revealing a new chapter with every turn. Poignant, honest, and often infused with peace, Becoming You captures the human experience in all its complexity and grace.
Step into the timeless portrait that is Becoming You and see where it leads.
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