A Beautiful Blur: Ellen Beth Abdi’s First Album Drifts More Than It Lands
ALBUM REVIEW | ELLEN BETH ABDI – SELF-TITLED by Georgina Daniels
Ellen Beth Abdi’s self-titled debut feels like slipping into a dream: lush, ambient, intimate — but also slippery, hard to hold onto. There’s no denying that Abdi has a clear ear for sound design; the production is delicate and immersive, drawing inspiration from lo-fi aesthetics, indie electronica, and even the calming charm of video game soundtracks like Animal Crossing. Her vocals are a consistent highlight throughout — soft, sultry, and steeped in sincerity, they pour over the music like warm syrup.
Tracks like “Who This World Is Made For” and “Bad Dream” hint at what this album could have been — emotionally resonant, rich with sonic texture, and mature in tone. The former builds slowly into a stunning climax of layered harmonies and existential musings, while the latter repeats a simple refrain with a childlike curiosity that lingers long after the song ends. “Tenterhooks” is another standout, bringing a nostalgic warmth that’s playful without being twee.
But outside of these moments, much of the album dissolves into a kind of beautiful background noise. There’s an over-reliance on pleasing synths, soft drums, and whimsical motifs that, while individually charming, begin to blur together. The thematic thread gets lost, and with it, a sense of momentum. Some tracks feel more like sketches than songs, others like ideas that outstay their welcome. “Sad Chord” and “Spellbound” are pretty but forgettable, while “Kingsway Bouquet” and “Problem Child” feel aimless, bordering on indulgent.
There’s also a noticeable disconnect between the song titles and their content, adding to the sense that this album is more about aesthetic than narrative. It’s a nice listen — soothing, dreamy — but ultimately too wishy-washy to leave a lasting impression. The cohesion just isn’t there, and at times it feels like Abdi is reaching for depth without fully knowing what she wants to say.
As a debut, this isn’t without promise. Abdi clearly has a unique perspective and an intuitive grasp of mood and texture. But across ten tracks, the album lacks the kind of direction or conviction needed to carry a full-length project. Had this been a tight, five-track EP, it might’ve hit harder. Instead, it drifts — pleasant, but forgettable.
There’s time for Abdi to figure it out, and there’s enough here to suggest she will. But for now, Ellen Beth Abdi is a soft first step, rather than a statement.
Ellen Beth Abdi is OUT NOW via her own label Sweet Twenty-Three – BUY OR STREAM NOW
Join Ellen for the official Album Launch Party at Manchester’s Night & Day Cafe on 27th May – TICKETS HERE
