Review: Milan Ring releases eclectic debut album I’m Feeling Hopeful

by Joe Sharratt
in Reviews

Milan Ring is one of those musicians and songwriters that it’s really hard to pin down to any particular genre. On her debut album ‘I’m Feeling Hopeful’, released the other week, the Sydney-based artist moves through R&B, soul and hip hop influences to weave tracks that are sultry, smooth and modern all at once.

Opening track Hide With You builds from a gentle piano intro into a soaring mix of vocal interplay, before BS features some smart work from London rapper Che Lingo (signed to actor Idris Elba’s record label) and Sydney Hue demonstrates Ring’s plentiful guitar skills with its edgy riff and tight production. Pick Me Up, according to a press release, addresses themes of “vanity, sexuality and confidence in a blurry club setting”, with Ring singing against a moody track that: “Hazy vibes, judging eyes around me / Dim the lights so the crowd still loves me / With a friend who was sick on me / But I got a real friend in the glass in front of me, yeah.”

Writing on her official Facebook page, Ring said: ”My debut album 'I'm Feeling Hopeful' is out everywhere this Friday, Dec 3rd. I poured my whole heart into it these last 2 years. I was more open and vulnerable than ever before, discovering a lot about myself in the process and coming out of the creation; lighter, happier and feeling hopeful. I can't wait for you all to sit with this body of work. Thank you for being with me on this journey.”

Elsewhere on the page, she said: “From the divine entity that is music, through my body, my voice, my fingers. Through to the technology that allowed me to capture and express each feeling and moment through to the beautiful family of collaborators. I now leave this project in your hands. This is for you. Thank you for listening. For sharing. For purchasing my very first vinyl or the digital download. For being here with me. I love you all.”

I’m Feeling Hopeful tracklist:

  1. Hide With You
  2. Take Me Away
  3. BS
  4. I Can Fix You
  5. Sydney Hue
  6. Pick Me Up
  7. Fluttering 
  8. Dreaming
  9. …
  10. Keep Me Safe
  11. Let It Glide
  12. Hopeful
  13. Daily
  14. Hands Are Tied

Watch the official video for Pick Me Up (featuring Jean Deaux) here.

Joe Sharratt
Author: Joe Sharratt
Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.