California-born singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega made her debut in 1985 with her self-titled album. Performing moderately in the US, the album was a bigger hit here in the UK and it spawned the singles – ‘Small Blue Thing’ and ‘Marlene on the Wall’. In 1987, Vega followed up her debut with second album ‘Solitude Standing’ and gained traction around the globe. In the US the album peaked at number 11 while here in the UK it almost reached the summit, landing at 2. It produced 4 singles, one of which was the original version of “Tom’s Diner”, which went on to be remixed in 1990 by DNA and became the biggest hit of her career.
Since then, Vega has steadily released albums, her last arriving in 2016 – ‘Lover, Beloved: Songs From an Evening with Carson McCullers’. Now almost a decade on, Vega is back with a new album of original material – ‘Flying With Angels’ – produced by her longtime collaborator and guitarist Gerry Leonard. The end result is a 10-track album clocking in at just under 40 minutes, that’s infused with social commentary and the spread of misinformation thanks to the rise of social media.
“Speakers’ Corner”, which was released as a single ahead of the album, finds Vega commenting on the ability for everyone to voice their thoughts and feelings, any time they want to a potentially global audience. It’s a topical issue to explore at a time when the world is struggling to understand how to police social media, and make it a safe place for users. Vega’s distinctive voice glides over an upbeat acoustic-driven melody, but it’s the song’s lyrics that really stand out. The theme continues on ‘Witch’ as Vega alludes to ‘living in a state of a permanent emergency’, an apt description of a world that is ready to fly off the handle at the first sight of anything they don’t like or agree with. The song is atmospheric and haunting, with an urgent rhythm that drives the song forward.
‘Love Thief’ takes a step back, allowing the musical to open up into more of a blues style. Vega sings in a hushed tone as she sings of having enough love to go around. There’s a real 70s-throwback vibe with this one, and it’s a highlight on the record. ‘Lucinda’ channels 90s female singer-songwriter territory, bringing to mind Meredith Brooks in her ‘I Need’ era. Spoken word verses backed by a beat give way a slight but effective chorus. On ‘Last Train from Mariupol’ Vega comments on the devastating situation that has become normality in the Ukraine for the last 3 years since Russia invaded it. It’s an emotionally-charged moment that really grounds the record.
The jaunty ‘Rats’ is a perfect slice of post-punk, buzzing along with high energy as Vega comments on the COVID pandemic and the change in attitude of society since that time. She draws from the tribal way we’re living our lives, encompassed in our own bubbles and unable to hear any view point that differs from our own. For the final track ‘Galway’, Vega is more optimistic as a light acoustic melody backs her gorgeous voice as she tells a romantic tale of a man she keeps happening upon at different times.
‘Flying With Angels’ is an album that finds Vega with plenty to say. It’s somewhat of a departure from her previous records, but it’s incredibly cohesive as a body of work. If proof was ever needed that art takes time, this album would be a great example. It may be arriving nearly 10 years since her last record but the minute you listen to it, it feels like Vega hasn’t been away at all. As an artist Vega continues to carve a career unlike anyone else and she’s making music with depth and meaning, at a time when so few artists are. ‘Flying With Angels’ could be the tonic we all need for these difficult times.
Track list: 1. Speakers’ Corner 2. Flying With Angels 3. Witch 4. Chambermaid 5. Love Thief 6. Lucinda 7. Last Train from Mariupol 8. Alley 9. Rats. 10. Galway Record label: Cooking Vinyl Release date: 2nd May 2025 Buy ‘Flying With Angels’ now
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