Susanna Wallumrød

Susanna Wallumrød is familiar to most people thanks to her Magical Orchestra project and their hushed covers, but this is the first time she's released an album under her name. As well, this is also her first record in her native Norwegian, suggesting the start of a new chapter in her musical life. The songs on Jeg vil hjem til menneskene are actually poems by Gunvor Hofno set to music of Wallumrød's creation. The arrangements are definitely fuller than those of the Magical Orchestra, veering towards something reminiscent of '70s prog folk, such as Fairport Convention, and while Wallumrød isn't Sandy Denny, she doesn't hold back with her vocals. The biggest issue is that without understanding the lyrics, it's hard to make an emotional connection. Her delivery can only go so far and while it conveys melancholy wonderfully, there's a one-dimensional quality that belies the prettiness of what's still an enjoyable record.