Review: Suzanne Vega – Flying With Angels

Suzanne Vega – Flying With Angels (Cooking Vinyl)

★★★★☆

Hands up who had Suzanne Vega dropping a catchy pop-punk belter, sensual soul-infused love song, or early contender for Record Of The Year on their 2025 bingo card? Well, that’s exactly what she’s delivered with her first album of entirely new material in over a decade.

Opening with Speakers’ Corner – a joyful, jangly affair about freedom of speech that delivers a waspish political punch – and the lilting lushness of the title track, you may well be thinking, ‘so far, so Suzanne Vega’.

But don’t get too comfortable, because ready to cast its devilish spell is Witch. Described by the singer as “way out there with a prog rock feel,” at 4:36 it’s the longest song on the record, but hardly a self-indulgent foray into excessive chin-stroking. Tight and taut, it could easily bridge the gap between Blood Makes Noise and the title track from her fourth LP, 99.9F°.

Tales Of The Unexpected

From here on, revel in the fact that Vega has returned with a delightfully diverse set, where all you can really do is expect the unexpected. If the beguiling Bob Dylan homage of Chambermaid doesn’t charm you, the addictive groove of Lucinda certainly will.

Similarly, should the timely gravitas of Last Train From Mariupol land with a powerful thump, the transcendental sanctuary of Alley will immediately lift you up with a comforting hug.

But what’s all this talk of punk and soul about? Well, if you like your garage rock wrapped in a vintage Blondie sheen, check out Rats. As for any Motown-inspired throwback, we fear we may have said too much already but prepare yourself to be seduced by one seriously smooth Love Thief.

Finally, if you have ever dreamed of Vega penning a composition like In Liverpool or Gypsy just for you, then the romance of album closer Galway will definitely have you longing for the wild west coast of Ireland.

Electric and eclectic, this is a 10-track treat that leaves you wanting more.

Order Flying With Angels here

Subscribe to Classic Pop magazine here