Lily Frost: "Do What You Love" (album review)

Toronto's Lily Frost releases her new album Do What You Love on October 2nd.  The album was conceived as a life-affirming letter to her daughter, and devised in large part in a cabin near Georgian Bay.  That easy-going, positive vibe comes shining through on the record.

The album kicks off with the charming "Background Radio".  With its 'bop bop bop' backing vocals and claps it's cute and catchy without being overly precious.

Frost can definitely pen a memorable song.  Peppy hooks abound on the title track, while sly horns move in-and-out over a playful beat on the outstanding "Poetry".


Usually a folk-based artist, Frost dabbles in a number of styles on Do What You Love.  There's a Dusty Springfield '60s chic to "Grenade".  An upright bass thumps on the sweet rockabilly of "No Promises".  "San Tropez" is the record's jazziest number.  She even touches on trip hop with the shadowy "I'm Gonna Stand".

Throughout it all Frost's warm, rich voice reels you further and further in.  At it's most hushed on "I'm On Fire", it relays a cheekiness.  It makes the finale, the standard "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You", a seductive highlight.

With Do What You Love Frost has given a lovely memento to her daughter, however from my selfish point-of-view she's given us one of the most easy to enjoy and endear records of the year.

Best tracks: "Poetry", "Background Radio"

Track listing for Do What You Love:

• Background Radio
• No Promises
• Do What You Love
• Grenade
• San Tropez
• Poetry
• I'm On Fire
• Long Sweet Ride
• It Shines
• I'm Gonna Stand
• Can't Take My Eyes Off of You

8.5/10