Una Healy - The Waiting Game (2017) [Official Digital Download]

Most people are probably aware of Irish artist Una Healy due to her work with renowned pop ensemble The Saturdays, but her latest endeavour is something a little more intimate. Having spent the last two years writing and recording a series of songs that she considers to be a return to her roots, the Tipperary native has just unveiled her very first solo record, The Waiting Game.

The enthralling twelve track undertaking is introduced through the touching riff of “Battlelines” before an enticingly soft yet sprightly serenade steps in to steal the spotlight at the start of the spirited first stanza. The wonderfully warm and riveting affair that follows from here gets the album off to an engrossing start ahead of the haunting harmonies and uplifting instrumentation that breathe life into its electrifying eponymous anthem.

“Stay My Love” is an exceptionally affecting acoustic ballad next that also features the talents of British performer Sam Palladio. “All You Ever Need Is Love” maintains a moving ambience in its wake, enchanting with its emotional melody and mellow music as it drifts delicately in the direction of the brilliantly bright beginning of “S.O.S.”. This captivatingly quick and characterful composition remains rapid and rousing until it passes the torch to the tranquil guitars and poignant singing of “Please Don’t Tell Me”.

“Staring at the Moon” and “Alarm Bells” are a lot more upbeat afterwards, showcasing a series of vivacious verses and sunny choruses between them. “Craving You” acts as an endearingly gentle bridge from the latter to the alluringly light yet enlivening “Out the Door”. This is succeeded by the wistful lyrics and amiable instrumentation of “Grow Up Not Old”, after which “Angel Like You” ensures the proceedings are provided with a suitably stirring conclusion.

Even though The Saturdays are fairly far removed from the material that usually makes up my own personal playlists, I have to say I absolutely love what Healy has delivered here. Her consistently cordial vocals combined with the affable acoustic guitar work and fantastically heartfelt execution of each song results in a superbly pleasant compilation that can be enjoyed by fans of many different genres. This album may just make your day if you do.