It may have taken over a decade after her 2001 debut, Heart-Shaped Scar, for Laura Pergolizzi to get any sort of recognition, but now she has finally got her just deserts. Her initial fame was due to songwriting for Rihanna and Christina Aguilera, relegating Pergolizzi somewhat to the background. On Forever For Now, this is her first album since, well, people actually know who she is. The disc recruited help from Florence And The Machine members as well as production by the legendary Rob Cavallo. To say that people were expecting big things might be an understatement.
While this was originally intended to be an acoustic focused album, Cavallo (known for his work with rock bands) helped evolve this major label debut into a much fuller sound. On the plus side, the giant amount of hooks and pop friendly structures make this extremely accessible. In fact, it’s pretty likely every song here could be a successful radio single. On the other hand, LP’s voice is so unimaginably good, it’s hard to not wonder what she could do unplugged.
With that said, those anticipating great heights will not be disappointed. On “Tokyo Sunrise” and “Salvation,” she’s as majestic as any current pop star. Meanwhile, in other places she’s hushed, intimate and introspective, like on the sensual and playful “Levitator.” The only real anomaly is the closer “Forever For Now.” With a ukulele and dark keys, it’s a tenser offering, showing a side to LP that’s absent from the rest of the disc. Whereas most of the other tracks build into a triumphant chorus, this one stays solemn and mysterious.
If LP is looking to leap further into the spotlight, this album is certainly a step in that direction. Her inimitable voice combined with the universally embraced pop sounds here should easily make her a household name.
