Most people know her as the voice behind the worship anthems “Hosanna” and “Desert Song,” but there is more to Brooke Fraser than just her association with Australia’s Hillsong church. Indeed, the New Zealand folk-pop singer has already released two solo albums that have gone on to become multi-platinum smash-hits in her homeland. She is set for even bigger things with her third album, the eclectic “Flags.”
This record is more likely to attract Sara Bareilles and Anna Nalick listeners rather than worshippers — and as for Fraser, this type of album seems the most natural. Taking a step away from the raw, self-emotive lyrics of 2006’s “Albertine,” she brings a rejuvenated spirit into “Flags” after previously fighting burn-out and weariness.
This newfound energy is evident in the first track, “Something In the Water,” a fun, folk-pop track that finds its energy in bouncy guitar rhythms and happy-go-lucky lyrics layered over a relentless kick beat. There’s little not to like about the song, which should appeal to both shoe-gazing indie hipsters and straight-up pop fans, with enough stomping, clapping and group vocals to conjure up the self-described feeling of “British, rowdy, folksy pub music.”
Flags marked by collaboration and American influences
Another common thread in “Flags” is the amount of collaboration Fraser conducted with other artists. The song “Betty” was co-written with Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman and musician/producer Ben West. “Who Are We Fooling,” a duet with UK performer Aqualung, is a flowing, piano-driven ballad with warm vocal harmonies that showcase the versatility of both vocalists involved.
Since this album was recorded in Los Angeles, there is a definite sense of American influences throughout this record. “Coachella” was inspired by the yearly desert music festival of the same name in California. Described as the seed that re-catalyzed her songwriting energy for this record, it does indeed sound like a revival song. The lyrics cry of rebirth and catharsis, Fraser singing that “I feel like a baby, newborn in the spring / I’m setting down the sadness and I won’t remember it.” Meanwhile, a lightly distorted guitar hook puts a ribbon and bow on what is a splendid pop song.
Another American fixture is cited in the next song, a tribute to the beat poet Jack Kerouac. Anyone who has read or is familiar with Kerouac’s work knows that the writer wrote of the diverse scenes he encountered on his trek throughout the country. Fraser’s song of the same name reflects that with equally diverse instrumentation and lyrics that tell of a traveler’s tale that’s both “humourless and comical at once / always being a stranger wearing the last town’s dust / … on the road, like Jack Keroac.”
Album excels musically and avoids being overtly spiritual
The record then goes from upbeat to tender, with “Sailboats” painting a tale of young love. It’s not going to be momentous in this collection of songs, but it is a nice little romantic track with winsome lyrics.
Fraser closes with the most spiritual tune on the record, the title track “Flags.” It is an examination of life in general and serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes, we will not always have the answers, but can always cling to hope.
And that is as close as it gets to being preachy. The strong spiritual undertones that permeated her earlier work are not nearly as prominent here. Musically, Brooke Fraser has really outdone herself this time around, expanding her sound to new territories while fighting past personal struggles. She has produced a beautiful, vibrant record that will take time to really appreciate, but will likely appeal to a wide array of listeners.
