Elles Bailey - Can’t Take My Story Away

There’s a steeliness that courses through Elles Bailey’s latest album, Can’t Take My Story Away. Fiercely independent, the British singer-songwriter has been steadily honing her craft for the better part of a decade. Her magnificent voice – instantly recognisable, full of grit – weaves stories of resilience and survival, of hope and new beginnings. In her music, we find liberation as she picks at the threads of human connection, carefully unravelling the truths we might not have realised about ourselves. 

The industry has frequently singled Bailey out for her unique take on Americana. She was crowned Live Act of the Year at the UK Americana Awards 2024, as well as Vocalist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards, also in 2024. Her third album, 2022’s Shining in the Half Light, topped the Official Jazz and Blues Albums Chart while also hitting No 4 in the UK Independent Albums Chart. Meanwhile her fourth album, Beneath the Neon Glow – which peaked at No 12 on the UK Official Albums Chart – received rave reviews for its raw and candid songwriting, as well Bailey’s “outstanding” vocals that “effortlessly traversed the highs and lows”. Fellow artists have recognised her talent, too, resulting in opening spots for the likes of Van Morrison, Jools Holland and Rag’n’Bone Man – the latter with whom she also joined for a duet of his hit single “Anywhere Away From Here”.