Review Summary: "Shatter Me" is successful in further exploring and adapting Lindsey Stirling's "Dark Tinkerbell" style.
Let me begin by saying I am a fairly new fan of Lindsey Stirling. Up until a few months ago I had only heard of her via the occasional news article or from coming up in a conversation with a friend. Only recently did I make the decision to listen to her debut, and once I did I was instantly obsessed with her unique style and brilliant musicianship. So when I heard that she was releasing this new album, I knew that I would have to give it a listen and give my opinions on it. So without further adieu, here's my review!
Within only the first minute "Beyond The Veil" I could instantly hear a slight change in direction. Stirling steps into more personal territory with this one, reaching slightly, well, "Beyond The Veil" of her effervescent and youthful image. The chorus clearly illustrates the song's underlying theme of desire. This track is a clear cut indicator for some of the themes to expect during the album and Stirling reminds her listeners that she doesn't lyrics and singing to convey a solid meaning.
That being said, there are some songs with lyrics and singing this time around, and they're certainly far from bad. In fact, the titular track is arguably the best song off the album, thanks to a remarkable duel effort by Lindsey Stirling and Halestorm vocalist, Lzzy Hale. When it comes to conveying the song's theme, Hale hits the bulls-eye, with her powerhouse and hard-hitting vocals. Mixed with Stirling's equally powerful musicianship, the two make for a remarkable collaboration that I would love to see more of in the future. When interpreted literally, the song is about one of those "Tinkerbell-Esque" doll trying to escape her music box/globe. Metaphorically speaking however, it's about breaking free of binding personal routines and struggles in order to gain a sense of independence. I've also heard somewhere the song was inspired by a struggle with anorexia, which seems to make sense when compared to the thin perfectionist doll in the globe.
Another song with lyrics is entitled "We Are Giants", with Dia Frampton on lead vocals. The song is certainly good, but unfortunately it's heavily overshadowed by its lyrical predecessor, and it comes across weaker in comparison. Even so Frampton's soothing vocals are a good addition to this poppy and inspirational song.
Some of the other standout songs on this album include "Heist", "Roundtable Rival", and the closing track "Master of Tides". Heist wins the award for "most aptly-titled track". With it's fast pace and mysterious tone, "Heist" is very original and very enjoyable.
To summarize "Roundtable Rival" quite bluntly, it kicks ass. Easy to be mistaken for the work of a symphonic metal artist, this piece is distinctly different from anything on either of her albums, with way more grit and aggression. On top of this, there's also a minuscule country vibe, meaning this would make for some killer square-dancing music. My second favorite from the album.
The album closes with "Master of Tides", which is arguably the foil to "Beyond The Veil". Very reminiscent of the opening track, "Master of Tides" in contrast has a victorious and uplifting nature, as if to illustrate a great freedom. It's a great song, but it's placement as the closing track makes it significantly better.
I have yet to find a Lindsey Stirling song that I disliked, but I will say there are quite a few songs on this album that are simply not as memorable. Songs such as "V-Pop" and "Swag" are light and pleasant to listen to, but are not songs that you would instantly recognize if you heard a second or third time. There are also songs like "Take Flight" that are very good, but sound to similar to her previous works to stand out. I would say that the primary difference between this album and her previous is that, while "Shatter Me" has quite a few better songs and is overall far more mature, her self-titled album had more songs that were memorable and easy to recognize.
Overall, I give this a 5/5. Whereas Stirling's eponymous debut focused on a light and joyful sound, this album is noticeably more personal and soulful, further illustrating Stirling's maturity as a skilled and unique artist. I recommend this to virtually anyone, as it is acceptable and pleasant for any age, gender, and background, and I also believe Stirling is an example of a great role model for rising musicians.
