Song Review: “To Be Held” by Chris Lippincott

On March 19, in lieu of the initial date for his well-anticipated album Angel in a Jetstream, Chris Lippincott gave fans the single To Be Held. Coming in as the fourth release for this era, the soundscape is equally as emotional, bringing even more to the table for the rising artist. 

Lippincott explains that this track is centered around human connection. He expresses that by saying “[To] allow oneself to be held and deeply loved by yourself and others—is not always an easy thing. And yet it may be some of the most important work one can do, especially in an increasingly disconnected world.” The way that this track is laid out makes the message crystal clear, through strings, piano, and the electronic elements involved.

Opening with minimal sound, the softness of this song presents a feeling of calm before the storm whilst the entirety of the song is connected by a kick drum keeping a pulse; almost as though the song has its own heart. This single feels as though it’s breathing life into the listener, with its quiet intensity.

To Be Held, along with Lippincott’s other releases from Angel in a Jetstream, have created the perfect soundtrack for the modern world. Using elements that are frequently seen in cinematic scoring with built up tension and a textured atmosphere—the song is more than capable of pulling listeners in. The song feels like something just out of grasp, the moment before an embrace. Though the piano remains serene, the string quartet builds intensity behind it and releases the truth of the song - there is no resolution. The track is left to feel unfinished, with 10 seconds of silence at the end to drive it home.

Chris Lippincott created yet another moving, passionate single, continuing to lay the groundwork for his upcoming album on May 22. To Be Held is a work of art on its own, and when surrounded by the rest of the singles so far, fans know they’re in for quite the ride when Angel in a Jetstream is finally theirs.