The world was introduced to Bishop Briggs back in early 2016 when she released her debut single, “Wild Horses,” and when she was just operating under the name BISHOP. With just one listen to the indie-perfect track, there was a universal notion that she was heading in the right direction. Actress Reese Witherspoon even shared her excitement for the track in an Instagram post, leading the singer to the path of victory. Ever since, Bishop Briggs has taken over the music scene – from car commercials to the never-ending sight of promo stickers plastered all over Brooklyn – making it quite obvious that this girl is here to stay, and well…slay.
If her booming single, “River,” wasn’t enough, debut album, Church of Scars, is a heaping dose of anthems from start to finish. It’s no secret that Briggs means business, but it also doesn’t hurt to take those scars and turn them into something powerful along the way.
While Church of Scars offers up an array of some of the best storytelling you’ll dive into this year, it also packs a punch on the musical front – a much-appreciated notion that the music world has been craving. Album opener, “Tempt My Trouble,” suggests an enticing distraction from the real world while “White Flag” is a no-holds-barred anthem of fighting your way to the top, guns blazing.
“Dream” sees Briggs in a vulnerable state as she re-imagines a love once lost in hopes of it finding a new beginning leading way into “Wild Horses” – a sweetened reminder of where it all began and where the singer is headed.
Album highlight, “Hallowed Ground,” from which the album title was derived is an opening of the soul, delving into one’s most personal secrets, leaving them for interpretation; perhaps the most fun part for a listener. “Water” keeps the momentum going, opening with the telling line of, “Funny how a blessing feels just like a curse, bad love hurts but somehow good love hurts me worse.” Insecurities run rampant, later morphing into the devious “The Fire” and closing with “Hi-Lo (Hollow),” giving us a glimpse into what it truly means to dwell with a heavy heart.
There are many strong female debuts that have stood the test of time and Church of Scars looks to be the next added to that list, making Briggs the champion of them all by delivering a debut as strong as this. There’s no telling where she’ll go next, but we look forward to the next chapter.
Church of Scars is available now here.
