Odette Michell | Reviews

Press Reviews

The Observer

"Michell has an instinct for a narrative - all the songs here are originals, steeped in tradition but not trapped by it. Highly enjoyable." (Neil Spencer, The Observer)

RNR Magazine ★★★★

"Though her 2019 debut The Wildest Rose garnered Odette Michell awards and plaudits as a major new talent, leading to sharing the stage with pretty much every luminary of the British folk and acoustic scene, it always takes a follow-up to confirm the presence of a major talent. So, here it is, and The Queen of the Lowlands is everything we could have hoped for. First off, there's that clear, confident, and compelling voice that draws the listener into the story-world of the songs, whether it's the upbeat skip of 'Lady Constance', drawing on the Iife of suffragist Lady Constance Markievicz, or the elegiac 'Waterline', which surveys the ghosts of a decimated fishing fleet. And then there are the songs themselves, which elegantly walk that fine line between individuality and sounding like they've been sung for hundreds of years. Notable here are 'Flowers', a supernaturally inflected tale of robbery and murder, and the rollicking title track, which tells the tale of a passenger steamship requisitioned as a troop ship, and has one of those choruses that sticks in your head for days. The latter is embellished by superb fiddle work from Chris Leslie, one of a number of guests who contribute throughout - though these guests don't in any way detract from what a fine multi-instrumentalist Michell is herself, on what will surely be one of the releases of the year."
(Oz Hordwich, RNR Magazine)

Folk & Tumble ★★★★

"This is a beautifully crafted and polished album, with ballads and narratives such as the story of the Dutch passenger steam ship SS Koningen der Nederlanden (Queen of the Lowlands) which was converted into a troop ship to transport troops to France during WW1.

Captivating, soulful, gentle, melodic this is quality folk for those who follow the likes of Kate Rusby, Sandy Denny or June Tabor.

An inspired collection of heartfelt songs with no need of comparison, for the ‘Queen of the Lowlands’ stands high on its own right." (Julie Williams-Nash)

Songlines ★★★★

"Ten self-penned tracks that could easily pass as coming from the folk tradition" (Tim Cumming)

Spiral Earth ★★★★

"A collection which shows an increase in both maturity and deft songwriting across a range of moods and inspirations. You don’t get the likes of Phil Beer, Chris Leslie and Stu Hanna working with people they don’t respect and value, so that alone should tell you her work is worth hearing."

“…As a writer, Michell tries to keep hold of folk form and sentiment in her compositions, making each one personal at some level and you’ve got to hand it to her she succeeds splendidly. They sound like folk songs, they deal with folk song themes but at the same time they’re melded with a piece of her.”

“You’ll do Odette Michell no favours if you approach her with comparisons in mind, forget it, she’s her own lady. Her music, sophisticated and seductive is her own as well. Touring across the year, catch her live, daring to be different.” (Simon Jones)

FATEA Magazine

"The range on this album is phenomenal... This is an exceptional album, I can't see how it could be improved, and confirms what many have know for some time, in Odette Michell we are privileged to have one of the great folk writers and performers in our midst" (Tony Birch, FATEA)

Folking.com

"If this isn’t among the top folk albums of 2025, then there’s something seriously wrong with the genre’s collective ears" (Mike Davies, Folking.com)

Folk at Five

“With every track a potential single, the album is a masterpiece from concept through composition to realisation” (Trevor Oxborrow, Folk at Five, Argyll FM)

Tim Walker, BBC Radio Lincs

“I’m absolutely stunned by the quality of the album - I can’t believe they're not traditional but they are all self-penned songs... Absolutely amazing” (Tim Walker, BBC Radio Lincs)

Irish Music Magazine

"Modern folk songs that sound like they have been with us for centuries, such is Michell’s command of folk phrasing" (Sean Laffey, IMM)

Folk North West

"With all tracks written by Odette, she covers the range of the folk canon, there’s history, mystery, cautionary tales of fair maids venturing where they should know better, love, loss and death – all without cliché, but definitely a little knowing in places. Just as the subjects are varied, so is the delivery, from self-accompanied singer-songwriter (she is no mean exponent of the guitar or bouzouki) to spirited, up tempo offerings that hint delightfully at folk-rock. However, what holds it all together is the voice, not just as a thing of beauty but, also as a character within her own songs, delivering them as they were conceived and intended.

Already exciting the playlists of broadcasters and the words of reviewers near and far, you can also expect to see it mentioned when the great and the good reflect on whatever has excited their ears over the past year." (Damian Liprot)

Lancashire Telegraph

“Odette Michell has been showered with awards and critical plaudits since the release of her debut set in 2019, and the Cambridge based singer-songwriter’s latest offering brings together another batch of self penned and highly evocative folk tinged ballads for your listening pleasure. Show of Hands’ multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer and Fairport Convention fiddler Chris Leslie both make telling contributions to the proceedings as Odette unveils an eclectic series of maritime ditties including “All The Bonny Ships,” “Waterline” and the compelling title track, alongside heartfelt tributes to legendary Anglo-Irish suffragist Constance Markevics and Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson in the shape of “Lady Constance” and “Requiem” respectively.” (Kevin Bryan)

Three Chords and the Truth UK

“An accomplished body of working allowing the many sides of Odette Michell's artistry to prosper. Whether you sit back and savour the regality of serene vocals nestling among the finesse of fine musicianship or dive deep into the song content, the album meets the ideals of folk music head on. Archivists in the future won't need to dig so deep to discover the music of today but could be forgiven in confusing the original content here with timeless cuts from the traditional pool. Michell observes tradition is how the songs are constructed, yet all are current compositions blending old stories with contemporary feelings. The result is a robustly compact record awash with layers of enjoyable aspects…"

"Odette Michell has made an album rich in astute quality and primed for praise from influential sources. For anyone with even a casual interest in folk music, it is a worthwhile addition to any collection."

At The Barrier

“A set of original songs that show a nouse for drawing on tropes from the traditional canon. Dipping into historical stories and her own ancestry, Odette’s aim to bring the folk tradition to the autenticity of her own songwriting is achieved in spades. From jaunty and joyful to poignant and reflective..."

"An album that has real depth and sheer quality that elevates it into ‘album of the year’ status. Loved it!”

Darren Johnson's Music Blog

"Following her hugely-impressive debut album, here Odette Michell has gone on to deliver an absolutely stunning follow-up. Infused with her deep appreciation and obvious knowledge of traditional song, The Queen of the Lowlands is a beautiful album with gripping storytelling, crystal-clear vocals and first-class musicianship."

Le Peuple Breton / 5 Planetes (formerly Trad Magazine)

“A true storyteller, she composes the vast majority of her songs. But she blurs the lines so much, you'd think they were straight out of tradition. As well as writing and composing, she is an accomplished musician, playing guitar, bouzouki and accordion. And she has already performed alongside British artists such as Martin Carthy and Phil Beer.”

"On three tracks, she is joined on vocals by Calum Gilligan, Daria Kulesh, with whom she forms a trio, and Ninebarrow. And five other musicians, including Chris Leslie, fiddler with Fairport Convention, join her to illustrate the beautiful melodies. Let yourself be carried away by Odette Michell's expressive, haunting voice as she takes you on a journey through this beautiful opus." (Philippe Cousin)

Unicorn Magazine

I first came across Odette Michell playing at the much-missed Hertford Musical Mystery Tour around nine years ago and a couple of years later I managed to book her for Royston MusicFest. I never managed to book her for a second time but I think it was clear even then that she was perhaps destined for greater things. I saw her perform again at Royston Folk Club in 2019 and was impressed enough to buy her debut album The Wildest Rose. Six years later it is good to see a second album appear after a no doubt difficult period… On the opening track from the album, The Woodlark and the Fieldfarre / Ninebarrow’s gentle vocals blend harmoniously with Odette’s lead vocals … The family element is clearly very important to Odette’s songwriting with the above-named Hourglass dedicated to her father and St Helen’s being inspired by her 19th Century ancestor Mary Quinn." (Carl Filby)

FATEA Magazine (Album Launch Live Review - Heath St Baptist Church London, June 2025)

“A truly fantastic concert, I loved every minute of it, and feel so privileged to be alive at a time when such good music is being written and performed… The Queen Of The Lowlands" is well and truly launched, and I wish her a long and happy voyage...” (Pete Bradley, FATEA)

FATEA Magazine (Single Review - The Woodlark & The Fieldfare ft. Ninebarrow)

”Odette, as a songwriter, is insanely talented, and her voice is incredibly beautiful which makes for a stunning combination as a singer songwriter. She writes songs that sound so true to the folk genre that it is impossible to believe that they aren't traditional, sending you scouring through the Roud List looking for their Index number. She also has a phenomenal talent for attracting other musicians to partner with her to create masterpieces that transcend the sum of their parts. For The Woodlark and The Fieldfare she has enlisted the magic of Jon and Jay (Ninebarrow)… For the first vocal section we are treated to just Odette. At around the minute mark when Jon and Jay's backing vocals come in I was instantly covered in goose bumps. At around the two minute mark, when the three of them start singing in round, my soul got goose bumps. The song decrescendos just after the three minute mark as if, like many singles it was drawing to a close, when suddenly it picks up again, at which point I found that my eyes had filled with tears. I adore Ninebarrow, and I adore Odette, but I have to admit that this is the best thing I have heard any of them play.” (Pete Bradley, FATEA)

The Wildest Rose - Reviews

Maverick Magazine ★★★★

"Warm and rustic... The Wildest Rose incorporates hints of Irish roots with bittersweet narration as each track becomes a new chapter of Michell's story to tell"

"Odette makes an easily loveable impression in her latest record. Graceful and mysterious, Michell encapsulates listeners with her nostalgic imagery and sweet melodies - a very enjoyable listen."

RNR Magazine ★★★★

"'True Lovers Farewell' offers a showcase for Michell's heartrending voice and its inklings of Sandy Denny or Annie Briggs, with whom she shares a yen for folk narratives. Best of all is closing cut 'The Eastern Seas', an enticing and fanciful fable, laden with Norse solemnity."

"A dulcet and very vintage debut... Phil Beer from Show of Hands adds his presence, notably on the title track's joyous crest of mandolin and fiddle. With its gallant chorus, you can mark this song to be covered by all-comers."

Northern Sky ★★★★

"There is much to get lost in within Michell's quiet understatement and nuanced singing on songs like 'Dance Me Through The Night'... 'Great Old Northern Line' with a great guitar part mimicking the sound of a train, is another emotionally charged performance and song. 'True Lovers Farewell', like a guitar and voice lift from a 60's Joan Baez album is an absolute masterclass in how to deliver traditional songs, and is one of the strongest tracks on this fine album."

"This is an assured album with lots of highs and no lows. Whether soaring or soothing, Odette Michell is one to watch."

Folk Radio UK (Mike Davies)

"Breathing fresh life into the acoustic tradition while staying true to its heritage, Michell is one of the brightest new names to have emerged full-grown on the country’s folk scene in recent years."

fRoots Magazine (Darren Johnson)

"While there is never any shortage of debut albums from folk singer songwriters being brought to the attention of fRoots reviewers, for endearing melodies and evocative song-writing in the English folk tradition Odette Michell presents us with a really rather impressive debut here. It helps, of course, that she has one of those beautiful voices that’s just perfect for English folk but with so many releases from emerging artists, being in possession of a beautiful voice, alone, is not necessarily a stand-out quality on the contemporary folk scene these days. Michell is clearly a talented musician and gives us some lovely guitar and bouzouki playing on this album, too. What really sets The Wildest Rose apart from many of the other debut albums that will undoubtedly be released over the course of the year, however, is Michell’s knack for writing songs that could easily have been collected over a hundred years ago. She does seem to have a gift for this and gives us nine original songs plus one interpretation of a traditional number without ever falling into the cliche of twee pastiche.

Lyrically, Michell’s songs cover a range of historical, romantic and pastoral themes from ‘folk fairytale’ The Banks of Annalee to Light Up London Town exploring the Gunpowder Plot. Besides Michell herself, the album features Stu Hanna on mandolin, violin, bass and percussion who also does a suitably empathetic job on on production duties. In addition, none other than Show of Hands’ Phil Beer contributes to a handful of tracks as does Toby Shaer who has played with Cara Dillon and Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys.

Beautifully written, beautifully sung, beautifully played and beautifully produced, The Wildest Rose deserves acclaim as one of the stand-out debuts of 2019"

Liverpool Sound & Vision (Ian D Hall) ★★★★

"The Wildest Rose is not only an enthralling debut, it is one which returns the genre to its roots, an air of calm driven by insightful prose and musical score..."

FATEA Magazine (Neil King)

"The Wildest Rose' is an album that sits firmly within "the tradition"... with one thing, well two, in common. One is the attention to detail that all the songs get, the second they way she makes them her own. Regardless of which album song you drop into, you know it's Odette Michell's and more important that she's singing it for you".

"There is something personal and personable about 'The Wildest Rose', it resonates and climbs into your heart. It's an album that speaks to you and gains your attention because you want to listen, not because it demands. It can take on darker and deeper themes, not because they feel threatening and brooding, but because putting them into the light, helps give them context".

"Odette Michell has the potential to be one of this generation's comparison points, future artists may both bless and curse the name, but rest assured they will all hold it in high regard and declare "The Wildest Rose" an inspiration".

Living Tradition (David Kidman)

"...Odette’s work is characterised by a freshness of delivery, and an enviably light and airy touch to her singing, playing and writing that escapes any potentially easy charge of insubstantiality... It’s clearly accessible, amenable and likeable, often with a strong feel of tradition, especially in Odette’s gift for melodic invention..."

"...I was sometimes reminded of Kate Rusby or Karine Polwart ... Odette’s songs tend to leave behind haunting resonances, for the overall character of her music is soothing rather than outwardly eventful or exciting, and its (perhaps unexpectedly invigorating) gentleness may thus prove deceptive... A disc that’s evidently destined to please".

Stirrings Magazine (Kath Reade)

"Hertfordshire based folk singer-songwriter Odette Michell has come up with a tour de force of self-penned songs with very attractive lyrics and traditionally styled tunes which sound for all the world like traditional classics. This is a wonderfully lyrical collection, featuring additional vocals and lovely fiddling from the Show of Hands talent that is Phil Beer.

Odette has attracted some great people around her for this debut project, which has already garnered considerable praise. Stu Hanna (half of Megson) has produced, while the acclaimed fiddle/whistle player Toby Shaer weaves his musical magic on three tracks. Her voice is dulce-easy on the ear, but also has depth and maturity.

This is an impressive debut, from a talented woman who has a freshness and an admirable drive to be heard. With a music video shot on the Chalk Horse in Oxfordshire, radio plays and a tour, Odette is going places, and success will be well deserved."

Folk London (Joe Whittaker)

"From the first bars of the strong opening title track, which could be from an early Fairport set, it is clear that Odette Michell has a song writing and performance skill well above average."

"If you then add the talents of two of the scene’s multi instrumentalists to the musical recipe in the form of Phil Beer and the 25 year old wonder Toby Shaer you are maximising the musical ingredients to produce an album that is worthy of your talent. Self penned songs, clearly rooted in the English folk tradition that could easily be mistaken for Anon. or Trad. Include The Banks of Annalee and the third track Rolling Shores of England - which I can hear being played and sung in folk venues for many years to come.

Phil Beer adds subtle backing vocals on that track, contributes fiddle to both opening and closing tracks on the album and Phil has showcased Odette on a number of his solo gigs in recent months. Fiddle and whistle player, Toby Shaer [the best thing to come out of Leigh-on-Sea in many a year] adds his contributions on both instruments on three of the 10 tracks including a hauntingly beautiful I Once loved a Shepherd.

The sole track not penned by Odette is the traditional 18th century True Lovers Farewell/10,000 miles which in mid album is seamless with its adjacent tracks such is the quality of Odette’s singing and song interpretation..."

Unicorn Magazine (Sandra Laws)

"...Although a relative newcomer to the folk scene, Odette is making a huge impact, and having listened to this CD and seen her perform at Costa Del Folk and the Kimpton Folk Festival, I am sure she is destined for great things.

All 10 tracks have a harmonious, traditional feel and I was initially surprised to learn that nine of them are self-penned!

But Odette has been playing guitar since she was 15 and began writing just a year later drawing on her rich cultural heritage and life experience. She competently accompanies her beautiful melodic lead vocals on guitar and bouzouki – her voice having echoes of a young Maddy Prior at times as well as similarities to Sandy Denny and Joni Mitchell. It is testament to Odette’s skill as a songwriter and musician that she persuaded Stu Hanna to perform on and produce this CD - her first full length studio album – and got Phil Beer (Show of Hands) and Toby Shaer (Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys) to work their magic on some of the tracks. I enjoyed every minute of this CD and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a love of traditional style folk music. Odette’s live performances are also highly professional and the audience rapport she creates with her warm stage presence shows a maturity beyond her years."

"Folk music is in good hands with artists of this calibre".

Folking.com (Album Review)

"A fine collection of excellent melodies, beautifully sung and played, most of which give a nod lyrically and or melodically to UK traditional forms without straying too far into pastiche, and are notable for their irresistible choruses".

Shire Folk (Album Review)

“This is the debut album by Hertfordshire-based singer-songwriter, guitar and bouzouki player Odette Michell. Stu Hanna produces the album with his usual skill and also adds vocals, piano, bass and percussion. Phil Beer (from Show of Hands) plays fiddle on three tracks and Toby Shaer (Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys and Cara Dillon’s band) adds fiddle and whistle to two. It was rather surprising to find only one track of the ten is traditional, as I felt as though I had heard some of the tracks before. This is a credit to Odette’s writing and arrangements. ‘Light Up London Town’ is a song about the political climate behind the gunpowder plots of 1605 and really shows off her excellent folky voice. Odette has already supported some of the major acts on the folk circuit and is now getting solo gigs at many folk clubs etc. On the evidence of this album, she has a bright future ahead of her.”

Irish Music Magazine (Album Review)

"Ten tracks from a new name to this reviewer and all but one from her own pen. It is great to be able to report that Odette does not disapoint as she offers the listener a wonderful mix of music and well thought out lyrics... Her self penned The Banks of Annalee is a sort of female and English version of the Old Dungarvan Oak and it sounds wonderful painting a picture of a lovely sunny stroll. Similarly The Rolling Shores of England draws the listener into a tale that shows a singer committed to her "native sod" and ready to extol it in song. In fact the majority of the tracks on offer here sound very much like hymns to people and places with a lovely understanding of how people and places are connected and need each other. Nowehere is this more evident than on the beautiful Bless The Ground You Grow On which is my "stand out" song on offer here.

Light Up London Town shows us that it is not just the pastoral that can inspire lyrical tunes. This is a wonderful story song that is powerful in message and performance. She leaves dry land for The Eastern Seas and shows a love of that element as well. The only track on here not from her pen True Lovers Farewell and Odette shows and ability to take a traditional tune and song and to make it truly her own.

Odette Michell has taken that leap and offered an album of songs that are not familiar. Many people shy away from such CD's but I urge you to give this one a listen and I am sure you will be pleased with the outcome."

The Ancestor Magazine (Album Review)

"Michell's voice sounds so classic and timeless that you can't help but be fascinated. 'The Wildest Rose' is an excellent compromise between more traditional folk...and a more modern sound thanks to the excellent production. With this debut Odette Michell can carve out her space in the panorama of British folk and ensures we can continue to listen to excellent folk music..."

Jon Bickley, The Invisible Folk Club (June 2019)

"Odette Michell is an English Folk Singer/Songwriter with a fine voice that hints at Sandy or Joni, which is no bad thing - her finely tuned songwriting is sometimes so convincing that you'll believe it's a traditional song..."

Americana UK (Nov 2021)

"...She is certainly a relentless folk performer, but more than that, she’s a great singer-songwriter... Her shows are warm, her playing is excellent, and she clearly has a great passion for performing music"

FATEA Magazine (Album Launch Live Review - Twickfolk London, April 2019)

"An absolutely brilliant evening. "The Wildest Rose" is a stunning album, and I enjoyed every minute of its release."

By Way of Night - Reviews

FolkWords (EP Review)

"As female folk voices go this one will stay with you. There’s a warm sincerity to the interpretation of the songs, a heartfelt involvement that beckons the listener."

‘By Way of Night’ is a short ‘taster’ that demonstrates freshness and vitality enduring in English folk, it also presents a talent that English folk should not ignore."

FATEA Magazine (EP Review)

“... As a debut release, this EP is stunning.”

"(On "Silver Moon") due to more gorgeous slide guitar from Harry Phillips..."

"I can really imagine that it is me laying on a beach by a camp fire, listening to a troubadour playing and watching the night sky. Not something I've ever done, but this haunting song almost creates memories of having done it."