Originally from Hawaii and now based in New York City, singer-songwriter Rachel Haymer releases her latest long-player, Island Girl Reflections II, a collection of songs that explore the aftermath of sweeping change.
Where the prequel, Island Girl Reflections, recounted Haymer’s decision to leave Hawaii and try something totally new and different, Island Girl Reflections II reveals that entering a new phase of life doesn’t invalidate who you are or where you came from.
“I realized that becoming a New Yorker didn’t make me any less Hawaiian,” says Haymer. “This album is about appreciating who I’ve become while continuing to honor where I came from.”
Shaped by both Hawaii’s natural beauty and New York City’s fast pace, Island Girl Reflections II is about finding a sense of home while growing, remembering, and moving forward. Across the album, Haymer mixes folk storytelling, island warmth, reggae rhythms, rich harmonies, and classical elements. The result is a heartfelt collection that shows the scope of the ukulele and highlights honest songwriting.
“Solo Rollo Soho” opens the album with a reggae-flavored melody riding a tight, powerful rhythm. The sway of the tune is balanced by sparkling, chiming accents, as Haymer’s gorgeous, slightly dreamy vocals infuse the lyrics with delicious tones.
For some reason, “’Till The Morning Come” summons up suggestions of Joni Mitchell because of Haymer’s luscious, lustrous timbres and her phrasing. Imagine Mitchell covering Sister Nancy, and you’ll have an idea of how charming this track is.
“Remember Summer Time” offers what might be called reggae-dream-pop, a blend of luminous, silky textures atop a measured rhythm. The island feel of the melody allows Haymer to show off her sumptuous voice. tinted with retro pop tangs.
“Rather Have You” merges reggae with hints of country. A fat, rolling bassline, crisp sidestick, and a drawling Hawaiian steel guitar combine into a tender love song. Velvety vocal harmonies silhouette Haymer’s mellifluous voice.
On “The Adventure Has Just Begun,” Haymer offers a tasty mixture of reggae and Spaghetti Western subtleties, forging a unique splash of sound that skiffs and uses a variety of jingles, clatters, and jangles.
The album closes with “Let Spring Come Again,” a wonderful feel-good song that likens the change of seasons to shifts in people’s lives. The melody fuses tinges of reggae and folk into an enchanting tune. Haymer’s honeyed voice imbues the lyrics with warmth and the sensation of renewal.
On Island Girl Reflections II, Rachel Haymer crafts reggae-laced gems that are heartfelt, intimate, and remarkably infectious.
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