The Transition from Reality Show to Soulful Artist
Many might know Cat Burns as the strategic mastermind from the reality hit Celebrity Traitors, where her cunning could rival the best of them. Yet, her latest album, How To Be Human, reveals a different story—one steeped in genuine emotion and reflection. No longer is she just playing games; instead, she's laying herself bare in a profound exploration of grief and heartache.
A Journey Through Grief
The album marks a significant emotional pivot, catalyzed by personal loss. With her father passing away on Christmas Day 2020, the shadow of grief looms large over the music. The opener, Come Home, presents a heartfelt message from her grandfather, sounding against a backdrop of poignant, reflective chords. The way Burns delicately includes these voices in her narrative elevates her songwriting into something profoundly personal yet universally relatable.
“You were laying there with such love in your eyes / Did you know it then, or did you think you had more time?”
This lyrical moment encapsulates the existential weight that permeates the album. It's not merely about sorrow but the bittersweet beauty found in moments of deep connection and love.
Embracing Vulnerability
Burns isn't afraid to dive into the uncomfortable aspects of her emotional landscape. On tracks like Can Time Move Faster, she ruminates on the slow crawl of grief, distilling her experience into relatable pieces for listeners also grappling with loss. She captures the essence of longing, stating that a breakup can feel like mourning someone who's still alive. The way she sorts through layers of emotion is both brave and necessary in today's music scene.
Melodies and Lyrics that Resonate
The journey does not stop at sorrow. The artist beautifully juxtaposes moments of despair with the whimsies of life. The gospel-infused All This Love is an uplifting anthem about pushing back against the darkness:
“I've been going out more / I've been seeing friends on the weekends / Saying yes more.”
Such lines champion the gift of presence amidst suffering. It reminds us that while grief is heavy, leaning into life's offerings is equally paramount.
Clever Playfulness in Artistry
But let's not forget that Cat Burns is also a playful spirit. The funk-infused track GIRLS! celebrates the joy of female empowerment and the delightful chaos of attraction. Here, she showcases her knack for balancing depth with lightheartedness, crafting a sound that is as inviting as it is thought-provoking.
Room for Growth
At 16 tracks, one might argue that the album stretches itself too thin. A more ruthless editorial hand could have trimmed some redundancy in thematic exploration. More nuanced storytelling that reflects her formidable strategic mind on The Traitors would have injected an exciting edge to the compilation.
Conclusion: A Deeply Human Connection
Ultimately, How To Be Human stands as a testament to Cat Burns' evolution as both an artist and an individual. It beautifully combines raw emotion with clever production, creating a listening experience that feels both intimate and expansive. She's not merely navigating her grief; she's inviting us into her world, one filled with hope, humor, and authenticity.
Cat Burns proves she can wield the emotional stakes of her life into storytelling that resonates deeply, capturing all the messiness of being human. Just make sure you keep your heart guarded—because, as always, this artist knows how to keep us on our toes.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2pxz14ypro
