Folk music has a way of connecting with listeners on an intimate level, and Haley Harkin’s “To Heal Her Too” is no exception. The album features the soothing quality of restrained folk melodies, which seamlessly complement Harkin’s delicate yet impactful vocal performance. The record showcases her stunning vocal range, and her powerful yet understated delivery is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners. Harkin’s lyrics, while not always explicitly personal, are nonetheless deeply introspective and thought-provoking, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. The intricate acoustic chord patterns and beautiful string work, including cello, add an extra layer of emotional depth to the already poignant and melancholic sound of the album. The restrained and subtle approach to each song serves to magnify the impact of Harkin’s vocal performance, making “To Heal Her Too” a truly special and memorable listening experience.
From the touching balladry that comes out in droves on the chorus of “Teacher” to the gentle beauty of the string work throughout the album, “To Heal Her Too” is a tour-de-force of folk music at its finest. There’s something so magnetic about its lightness, something so captivating about the beauty in the melody, something so refreshing about the honesty and clarity of the narratives.
To Heal Her Too isn’t a record as much as it is an experience to hit refresh on, a project that’s bound to revive you when things feel seemingly endlessly and immovably bleak, the touching poise of Haley Harkin’s vocals alongside arrangements that are expertly weaved together by well-known producer Vince Cimo (Ayla Nereo), the record retains something while being pointed and poignant all at once.