While all eyes remain on The Carters following their surprise release, Everything is Love wasn't the only noteworthy project released by Roc Nation over the weekend. Folk-soul darling Victory provided a welcome distraction from the social media frenzy with her debut The Broken Instrument. We've anticipated the release since our first listen of her 9th Wonder-produced lead single,"Open Your Eyes," and thankfully, it was worth the wait.
Born into a family of musicians (now performing as Peace Industry Music Group) Victory Boyd started singing at the age of four. Now almost 20 years later, the young artist writes/plays/sings with the sagacious nuance of an old soul, effortlessly blending folk, jazz, classical, gospel and soul. While dreamy, lithe and colored with youthful optimism, her voice also bears the weight of experience. The resulting project aims to motivate and inspire with profound storytelling, artful metaphors and lyrical affirmations infused with hope, rather than starry-eyed naiveté.
Album opener "Against the Wind" possesses a quiet beauty that belies a fiercely empowering message, providing a perfect segue to the uplifting anthem, "Open Your Eyes." Another highlight is "Don't You Ever," a heartwarming ditty about faith and love featuring her siblings Abraham Boyd and Angel Boyd (the trio is collectively known as Infinity's Song). Mid-tempo songs like "Who I Am," "Jazz Festival" and "A Happy Song" provide balance with their quickened pace while continuing the overall themes. The title track, a gorgeous, enthralling composition featuring three distinct movements, provides a satisfying conclusion to the cohesive set.
In a press statement, Victory explains, “Overall I like to think of my album The Broken Instrument as a collection of art pieces. Each song is a painting that was inspired in one way or another by my life. I’m so excited to finally be able to share these paintings with the world.”
Even after one listen, it's clear that this 13-track collection is a soothing aural balm for those looking to escape the noise of "popular radio." Stream The Broken Instrument below, purchase a copy to enlighten your playlist, then watch the official video for "Open Your Eyes" and get lost in the beauty of nature. Victory will make her ESSENCE Festival debut in a few weeks and is scheduled to open for Ms. Lauryn Hill on select dates of The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour. If you can't make it to those events, be sure to visit her website for additional tour dates.
