Griff – One Foot in Front of the Other

After a well-deserved recognition at the BRITs earlier this year – where she was named Rising Star of 2021 – Griff delivers her debut mixtape, an upbeat, defiant exploration of all types of heartbreak and the first few steps forward that follow. One Foot in Front of the Other ventures on a journey through the drama and excitement of love – in all its forms – as well as the parts that are less fun but just as worthy of a moment of meditation. The listeners are left grappling with how it feels to be forgotten in songs such as Black Hole and the overlooked Earl Grey Tea.

The opening number introduces to the singer’s light, persistent beats that add insistence and energy to the whole record while showcasing her gorgeous, ethereal vocals and lyrics that move effortlessly from starkly personal to ironic. The title track marries playful synths over choral melodies and persuasive drums which exhibits Griff’s talent as a songwriter and producer. Most of the tape is self-produced and a sense of the young artist’s own influences and signature style begin to shine through, even on a relatively early project like this one. 

As far as of-the-moment pop music goes, the album cannot be faulted: from the airy and imaginative rhythms of Remembering My Dreams, to the joyful and deliciously nostalgic Walk, the singer-songwriter has captured so many different shades of emotion and crafted a number of impressive hooks that are catchy and specific enough to linger in the mind along with the just-simple-enough melodies. Both in talent and in wisdom – see the thoughtful, self-aware lyrics of Heart of Gold – Griff is charging miles ahead of her years and experience and her UK tour in the autumn should provide another chance to demonstrate this.

Sylvia Unerman

One Foot in Front of the Other is released on 18^th June 2021. For further information on upcoming tour dates or to order the album visit Griff’s website here.

Watch the video for the single One Foot in Front of the Other here: