The Voice of Portishead: Beth Gibbons

Known best as the soulful voice behind the British band Portishead, first formed in the early 1990s, Beth Gibbons' solo work continues to draw on her enigmatic vocals as its guiding light. As she produces music that's saturated with rich emotion, her almost jazz-like vocal abilities are reminiscent of musical greats such as Nina Simone and Edith Piaf, especially on standout "Tom the Model".

Gibbons' most recent offering comes in the form of 2024's "Lives Outgrown", a ten-track album featuring the single "Floating on a Moment". Gibbon's ghost-like vocals haunt amongst the glittering instrumentals as she confidently proves to listeners she's still the great we came to know over 30 years ago. Recent collaborations include rap phenomenon Kendrick Lamar, with whom Gibbons wrote alongside for Lamar's 2022 record Mr Morale and the Big-Steppers.

With Beth Gibbons, the proof is in the pudding; her extensive career and star-studded list of collaborators stand as testament to her greatness, and it's a testimony she only continues to add to.