Album Review: Not The Whether Of Summer by Liz Mitchell
Liz Mitchell’s Not The Whether Of Summer might’ve dropped way back in 2008, but it’s one of those albums that sticks with you like an old friend. Released under Riverwide Records and blending genres like Singer/Songwriter, Pop, and Folk, this record feels like a warm hug on a chilly day—intimate, raw, and unapologetically human. With her vocal style front and center, Liz pulls you into her world without needing any flashy tricks. It’s just her, her stories, and that voice.
Now, let me tell ya—this album has some real gems. Two tracks, in particular, have stayed stuck in my head for reasons I can’t fully explain. First up is “Winter in April.” There’s something haunting about the way Liz sings this one—it’s melancholy but also kinda hopeful, like watching snow melt even though you’re not ready to say goodbye to winter yet. The lyrics feel personal, almost whispered, as if she’s letting you in on a secret. You know those songs that make you stop mid-scroll and just listen? Yeah, this is one of them.
Then there’s “My Bags Are Packed For France.” (Side note: how cool is it that this track shows up twice on the album? Feels intentional, right?) This song hit different because it’s got this dreamy wanderlust vibe. Listening to it makes me want to grab a backpack, hop on a train, and figure life out along the way. Her delivery here is so effortless, it’s easy to imagine yourself sipping coffee at a Parisian café while the world moves slowly around you.
Other standouts include “Falling In Love,” which is exactly the kind of tune you’d expect from its title—sweet, simple, and full of heart—and “The Miracle of Life and Love,” which wraps things up with a reflective bow. Honestly, every track brings something unique to the table, whether it’s storytelling or pure emotion.
What really struck me about Not The Whether Of Summer is how timeless it feels. Even though it came out over a decade ago, these songs could easily slide into anyone’s playlist today. Maybe it’s the stripped-down production or the fact that Liz isn’t trying too hard to impress anyone—it’s just honest music made with love.
As I was writing this review, I kept thinking about how rare it is to find an album that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. And then I realized—oh wait, Liz probably wasn’t thinking about SEO optimization when she wrote these songs. She just wanted to share her truth. Funny how sometimes the realest stuff ends up being the most unforgettable.
So yeah, do yourself a favor and give Not The Whether Of Summer a spin. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite rainy-day companion. Or maybe, like me, you’ll end up humming “Winter in April” for days.
