Sabrina Starke – Weather the Storm

With “Weather the Storm,” Dutch singer Sabrina Starke creates a profound musical document about personal struggle and transformation. The Rotterdam-based singer translates her experience with breast cancer into a collection of songs that, surprisingly, avoid descending into melancholy, instead radiating hope and resilience.

The production by Salle de Jonge is characterized by an open, balanced sound where jazz and hip-hop elements blend seamlessly. His expertise in both genres, built over years of working with artists like Roy Hargrove and Benjamin Herman, results in a contemporary production that amplifies the emotional weight of the material.

“Another Day, Another Moon” is the undeniable highlight. The track opens with a subtle jazzy piano intro, seamlessly picked up by a tight rhythm section with hypnotic claves. Starke’s inventive vocals, especially in the overdubbed passages, elegantly dance around the jazzy guitar chords. The production strikes a perfect balance here between intimacy and groove.

While her previous album, “Underneath the Surface,” had a primarily organic sound, Starke now successfully experiments with electronic elements. This evolution enriches her signature soul sound without compromising its authentic core. The single “Slow It Down” perfectly illustrates this balance—a meditative reflection on mindfulness in a fast-paced world, supported by subtle electronic textures and organic instrumentation.

In “Goodlife,” she translates personal gratitude into universal wisdom, while “Did You Notice” emerges as a powerful declaration of renewed self-awareness. The production approach, where acoustic and electronic elements complement one another, creates a sound that is both accessible and layered. The arrangements breathe, allowing Starke’s voice to fully convey the story.

The album is not a chronological account of illness and recovery but rather a kaleidoscopic reflection on human resilience. Its musical diversity—rooted in soul yet flirting with folk, hip-hop, and electronic elements—mirrors this multifaceted approach. De Jonge’s production style, combining his experience as a jazz drummer with modern production techniques, gives the album a timeless quality.

“Weather the Storm” showcases an artist pushing her musical boundaries without compromising authenticity. The result is an album that transforms personal crisis into universal beauty. The combination of strong songwriting, innovative production, and emotional depth makes this one of the most impressive Dutch soul albums of the year. (8/10) (ZIP Records)