Recommended Tracks: “Waste Time,” “Glory,” “Crazy Woman”
Artists You Might Like: Olivia Dean, Laufey, Lois Levin
Are there times when you stop and wonder if what you’re doing is what you should really be doing? If you chose the wrong path at the fork in the road? If who you are is who you were meant to be? These are heavy questions, and at times, you can’t help but to ask them. The great thing is that there are infinite answers to these questions because the answers are always evolving. Our place in the world can fluctuate, but for Hannah Stokes, she is where she needs to be right now. On her debut album, Right Where I Belong, the folk-soul singer-songwriter explores all that is around her while validating who she is and what she has to offer. In the end, we all might never truly know if we’re going the right way, but if we can believe that we are, then that’s enough.
We are brought into Hannah’s world with “Waste Time,” which opens the album. It’s almost as if we are stepping into a cool jazz lounge, as laid-back riffs and soothing melodies ease us into the track. We then hear Hannah’s folksy and sweet vocals as she sings, “I wake up with the sun beaming in my eyes / It’s a beautiful day, and I’m feeling all right.” But of course, as much as you can start your day off with positivity and good vibes, there’s always a chance it can go downhill. Pretty soon, Hannah’s asking, “Why do I even try?” Still, there are ways to validate your existence in the world, like when wrapped in the arms of someone you love. On “Right Where I Belong,” Hannah shares that as long as she is with her person, she doesn’t need to be anywhere else. It’s an endearing love song, complete with light percussion, bright chords, and bluesy vibes that are all fundamental parts of Hannah’s style. She flaunts this style even further on a cover of Aretha Franklin’s “I Say a Little Prayer,” which fits in nicely with the themes we have heard so far in the previous songs. Even though Hannah has made this track her own, you can still hear the original in it, especially when you get to the choruses.
Toward the middle of the album, Hannah makes some tough realizations and observations. She takes a look at herself on “Glory” and “Landscapes,” stating, “Glory wasn’t made for me,” on the former and asking, “In what ways do we change like landscapes?” on the latter. Both are vulnerable and pensive, and the stripped-back production draws attention to her emotive vocals. There’s also “We Two,” where she reflects on a relationship. We are brought back into that relaxed jazz realm, as light percussion and bass guide the track along. Meanwhile, Hannah sings, “I know that the life we chose / Didn’t start with the flowers / Or the April showers,” acknowledging how much work has been done. Still, some relationships don’t work out, which we hear on “Within the Year.” This track is actually a live recording from one of Hannah’s shows, making it a stand-out on the album. Hannah’s voice is powerful and radiant as she sings, “I don’t know if it was worth it / Mistakes are things you should regret” and “I think I’d give up almost anything to wake up next to you again,” having difficulty accepting what has transpired.
But at the end of the day, Hannah is loving, strong, and surrounded by the goodness in life. On “What I’ll Do (When You’re Up),” for instance, Hannah pledges her love and devotion. She encourages, “You can be yourself” and “You don’t need to pretend / I will give you space / I will be your friend,” doing all she can to be there for this person. She also shows up for herself, as we hear on “Crazy Woman.” Here, we get a bit of mulled feminine rage, as Hannah vents about the complex nature of womanhood. Over the electric guitar accompaniment, she sings, “Before I was a woman, I didn’t know the pain / I didn’t know the struggle / I didn’t know the shame / But I’m tired of being scared / Of being angry / Carrying the weight, it gets so heavy.” It does get heavy, and when that happens, there are songs you can turn to in order to lighten the mood. For example, there are songs like “My Favorite Things,” which closes the album. “My Favorite Things” is Hannah’s own spin on the 1965 classic from The Sound of Music, featuring a bluesy and folksy edge. Hannah fluently recites all of these simple indulgences as if they are her own, so the song still feels personal and original even though it’s been around.
Overall, Right Where I Belong is an album that embraces love, loss, doubt, strength—various emotions and feelings that can validate whatever it is you’re going through. And as she conveys these feelings, Hannah is able to keep the vibes calm and laid-back, as if we are all just hanging out with her in a coffee shop, a lounge, or a combination of the two. She is able to show a uniqueness through her folk-soul sound and through the song selections, from the covers of classic favorites to the inclusion of a live track. In the end, she reminds listeners that whatever you are going through, whoever you are, you are right where you belong.
You can listen to Right Where I Belong here.
Catch Hannah on tour here.
Keep up with Hannah Stokes: Instagram // Facebook // TikTok // YouTube // Website // Linktree
