Haley Harkin’s newest album, To Heal Her Too, has a theme of self understanding that brings an intense sense of peace and purpose. The album is reminiscent of something from the 70s, and not only is the album incredibly calming and uplifing, but the sound is magnetizing.
A brilliant album full of plucky guitar and airy vocals, both the vocals and lyrics beautifully portray Harkin’s emotions and her journey to self love.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
What do you behold what do you behold
Let your beauty unfold
The first song on the album, “Beauty”, highlights the beauty of one’s self. We ourselves are the beholder of beauty both inside and out, if we choose to let it unfold within.
Don’t look without look within
Don’t you know you’re your own teacher
And thank you teachers who came and showed me
The clear empty mirror right there before me
“Teacher” has a warm acoustic sound and recognizes just how capable we are to be our own teachers, saying that only we can truly teach ourselves. The lyrics repeat “I know myself”, and encourage the listener to look within themselves instead of the outside world. Harkin has a wisdom in her lyrics that are far beyond her years.
The harmonica in “Patience” is instantly hooking. The message of this song is that patience is available to anyone who chooses to use it. It’s as readily available as water from a spring. This patience can lead us to find ourselves. Finding ourselves in both the joy and pain that life brings, and simply in the experience of life itself.
Another highlight of the album was the song “Life Passes By” which encourages listeners not to wait to realize their beauty. Comparing this beauty to the wings of a butterfly perfectly ties this song into the themes of nature woven throughout the entire album. Its preceding song, “Like a bird” is no exception, with the sounds of nature unexpectedly complementing the melodious violin.
Harkin describes her style as “folk medicine”, and I couldn’t agree more! This album is simply medicine for the soul and if you are feeling lost or scattered, this album is sure to help you re-center.
