Margaret Glaspy – Emotions and Math

Those of us who’ve followed Glaspy’s development these past few years via a series of self-produced live YouTube performances might find her long-awaited major label debut something of a jolt. Dirtying up her clean, soulful guitar pop is a move as brave as it is smart: Emotions and Math is powered by guts and guile. Glaspy’s lyrical eye is unflinching and much of this record documents stark self-doubt alongside a series of dead-eye recriminations.

'I’ve been sitting silent because I thought you liked me quiet,' she sings on Pins and Needles. On the towering title track, she’s 'shivering in an ice-cold bath of emotions and math.' These songs are raw and beautiful. Glaspy's voice is roughened, tremulous and hypnotic. Her guitar playing is characterful and advanced. Be sure to leave a space on those end-of-year lists.