Loryn Taggart – ‘The Lost Art of Pulling Through’ [Album Review]

Conceptually, The Lost Art of Pulling Through, the recently released debut album from Loryn Taggart, begins with the pain of loss and moves through grief into the curative process of creation, leading to the re-discovery of happiness.

Taggart explains, “All of these songs have a hopeful tone to them because I didn’t want to write a song that sounded sad, angry, or defeated. I wanted to write an album that showcased the healing that took place around these events in my life.”

Following the loss of her father, Taggart began crafting The Lost Art of Pulling Through, which opens with “Boston In The Fall,” the birthplace of the record, and closes with “Ohio,” a song about Taggart’s “fear of pursuing music.”

The album’s title, The Lost Art of Pulling Through, was chosen after Taggart had written “Tell Me How,” a song about her father, and decided the link between all the songs on the record was about pulling through in some way, healing, and surviving life’s hurdles.

Entry points on the album include “Boston In The Fall,” drenched in a drifting, dirge-like piano topped by Taggart’s delicately vulnerable voice, imbuing the lyrics with a loss of connection. Tinted with flavors of gospel blues, “Tell Me How” highlights lush, braying brass and glowing harmonies, all capped by Taggart’s evocative vocals.

A personal favorite because of its optimistic feel, “The Vow” blends tastes of jazz and pop into a retro-lace melody decorated by scintillating surfaces, delicious brass tones, and a sparkling piano.

Loryn Taggart, photo by Jen Squire

Swaying with upbeat jazz movement, “The Reunion” conjures up suggestions of ’50s big band energy; the tune’s rhythm pulses with a galvanizing cadence as blatting horns infuse the melody with jumping colors. Taggart struts her vocal range, filling the lyrics with elemental, buoyant energy.

Saturated in elegiac tones, revealing an abyss of sorrow, “Egy Dal Apanak” features a gliding orchestral palette that infuses the melody with the imposing monolith of grief.

The final track, “Ohio,” about transforming anger and bitterness into art, sails slowly, painted by a gentle piano and softly elegant strings. Taggart’s vocals bear overwhelming emotions.

A consummate album, The Lost Art of Pulling Through, draws on profound emotions as it explores the intricacies of life.

The Lost Art of Pulling Through Track Listing:

1. Boston In The Fall
2. Tell Me How
3. The Vow
4. Scandal Monger
5. Heat
6. i
7. The Reunion
8. Lighthouse
9. Egy Dal Apanak
10. Ohio

Run Time: 34:08
Released Date: September 29, 2023
Record Label: Independent