Artist Mikky Ekko started the year off with the release of his debut LP, “Time,” which felt long overdue for fans who discovered his passion-driven vocals after his feature on Rihanna’s hit song, “Stay.” Ekko bares his soul on each of the 12 tracks on the album, which was released Jan. 20. His album references the concept of love and time all the way through. Each song provides diverse sound, perspective and emotion to the listeners who lend their ears to this album.
The opening song, “Watch Me Rise,” jump-starts the album with Ekko’s drive to reach all of what love has to offer. Ekko slowly reveals his battle with love in transition to the courageously sanguine track “Smile,” the top track on the album, which inspires a smile that emerges from within.
“Love You Crazy” and “U” serve as the love-induced calm before “Riot” takes you by storm and blows through all preconceived notions you may have held about the artist’s vocal ability on the five previous songs.
Once you return from the high, you’re carried gently back down to earth with Ekko’s smooth tone in “Mourning Doves,” contrasted with the following song “Burning Doves,” where Ekko sheds light on how love can spiral, crash and burn.
“Pull Me Down” and “Comatose” turn the lights out with their slow, dark mood while making you feel like you’ve plunged into Ekko’s heart.
“Made Of Light” is the connecting point of every track on the album. The song gives a sense of light and positivity like the opening tracks with a hint of darkness taken from the songs before and after it.
Ekko’s vocals are relentless as the album comes to a close with “Loner.” It leaves the listener with a final perspective of love, and it is one that is enrapturing and leaves you lonesome without it.
Whether Ekko is cutting deep into himself for love or rising above its limits, this debut album is just bursting with bravery in the face of love and a clock that is just ticking away.
