befitting the title), the approach nicely suits the sweet melody and imagery in a way that sets the tune apart from the livelier numbers on the album.
Opening with a gorgeous waltz-y intro before the strummy melody and doo-wop backing vocals kick in, 'Lullabye' recalls the kind of genuinely fresh-sounding take on neo-soul Brit songbird Corrine Bailey Rae used to do so well. The song echoes the kind of old-school vibe you'd swear you've heard before, but at the same time doesn't sound like a stuffy re-tread of a well-worn template.
By the time the horns kick in -- ever-so-gently, mind you -- and the song swirls into its swoony finish, Todd's managed to make you wish you could fall asleep to her tender voice every night. "Know there are monsters out there," she sings, "Who cut you down/Please don't be afraid of those monsters out there/They've got their own upon their backs." A simple sentiment, perhaps, but a reminder even those of us who've outgrown the imaginary demons under the bed could certainly use from time to time.
Todd may have dedicated her lullaby to her "fictitious" children, but whenever they do come along, one can't help but think those little ones will be pretty lucky to have such a beautiful tune to call their own -- until then, the fact that we listeners get to enjoy it in their stead makes us the fortunate ones.
Download: Maylee Todd, 'A Lullaby For My Fictitious Children Lucious & Sumat' (MP3)
