Lizzie Thomas’s Awakening is a compelling and genre-fluid exploration of identity, grief, and hope that cements her place among the most innovative voices in modern jazz and neo-soul. Moving away from her roots in classic jazz interpretations, this album is a brave, personal statement, showcasing her as not only a vocalist but a producer and songwriter with a clear vision.
The album’s production is strikingly nuanced. Recorded at New York’s Powerstation and enhanced by the Grammy-winning Harlem String Quartet, Awakening balances lush orchestration with intimate moments of vulnerability. Thomas’s decision to incorporate electric bass and the B3 Hammond organ gives the record a soulful warmth and contemporary feel, perfectly complementing her smoky, emotive voice.
Lyrically, the album shines brightest in its sincerity and spiritual depth. Songs like This Love and Magnificent are affirmations of self-worth and liberation, while Home stands as a touching tribute to loss and connection beyond the physical realm. Thomas’s intuitive, almost clairaudient approach to songwriting infuses the record with an ethereal quality, making it feel like a conversation with both the self and the universe.
Musically, Awakening defies easy categorization. It’s jazz, yes—but also soul, pop, and cinematic soundscape. The album flows effortlessly, inviting listeners into a deeply immersive sound world where emotional complexity meets accessibility. It’s music that rewards repeated listens, revealing new textures and layers with each play.
Ultimately, Awakening is an album that celebrates transformation—both personal and artistic. Lizzie Thomas invites us to witness her awakening and, in turn, to reflect on our own journeys of healing and self-realization. It’s a radiant, thought-provoking record that promises to resonate far beyond its immediate release.
