7/10

There’s something deeply moving about an artist returning to the place where everything first began, and on her new collection 'Steinway Sessions', Ruut does exactly that by breathing new life into a record that feels as intimate now as it must have in its earliest form.

Now reintroduced through her partnership with Meridian (ECR Music Group), this special edition looks to reframe her older recordings. With careful restoration overseen by Blake Morgan, every nuance feels heightened, and every subtle shift in tone given space to resonate. The result is striking: a body of work that feels both timeless and newly awakened.

At its core, 'Steinway Sessions' is built on just voice and piano, existing in a delicate balance. Ruut’s vocal delivery is unforced, almost conversational at times, yet it carries a quiet intensity that draws you closer with every line. There’s no need for grand gestures here; the emotion is already present, sitting just beneath the surface.

Tracks like 'Life Is Beautiful' capture this approach perfectly. Rather than reaching for resolution, the song settles into acceptance, exploring the idea that clarity often arrives in unexpected ways. It’s reflective without becoming distant, and personal without feeling closed off, inviting us into a shared moment of recognition.

There’s also a broader narrative unfolding around this reissue. As the first step in a wider catalogue revival ahead of her forthcoming record 'Motherland', it feels like an artist reconnecting with her foundations before stepping into a new chapter. It adds weight to the listening experience, giving these songs a renewed sense of purpose.

In all, 'Steinway Sessions' offers stillness, honesty, and a deep connection to the act of songwriting itself. In revisiting these pieces, Ruut reminds us that sometimes the most powerful statements are the ones spoken softly.