BONNIE MEDICINE - BELONGING
Bonnie Medicine’s latest EP, Belonging, is a stunning musical journey that wraps itself around your heart like a cosy blanket on a chilly Scottish evening. With melodies that evoke the misty, rolling hills of her homeland, Bonnie delivers an intimate yet empowering collection of songs that speak directly to the soul. Belonging, is a spiritual pilgrimage through themes of connection, healing, and social consciousness—filling listeners with a sense of unity and purpose that feels both timeless and urgently needed in today's fragmented world.
Bonnie Medicine hails from the beautiful land of Scotland, a country known for its rich musical traditions and deep spiritual connections to nature. Belonging, blends these Celtic roots with an eclectic mix of folk, soul, and new-age influences, creating an EP that feels like both a quiet conversation with the self and a rousing call to arms. The result is a collection of five tracks that range from the deeply personal to the universally relatable, each infused with Bonnie’s signature voice soaring, soulful, and full of emotional depth.
The EP opens with ‘We Belong’, an anthem that immediately sets the tone for the journey ahead. Bonnie’s powerful vocals cut through the air, lifting the listener with the words “We belong, we belong, together as one.” It’s a rallying cry for unity, a celebration of the connection we share as human beings. The infectious melody and uplifting energy make this track a standout, offering a refreshing sense of solace in a world that often feels disconnected. In times when we may feel lost, ‘We Belong’ reminds us that, no matter how uncertain life may get, we are never alone.
Next up is ‘Holy Trees’, a song that feels like a prayer to the towering beings that have long stood as guardians of the earth. With a gentle guitar strum and rustling percussion, Bonnie’s voice flows like a soft breeze through the trees. She sings, “Into the old ways, the ancient days / Where we could feel the mountain’s prayers / And hear the mother’s soul.” There’s a deep reverence for nature in these lyrics, as Bonnie asks for guidance from the ash tree and other flora, reflecting her Celtic roots and her connection to the land. The song captures that sacred relationship between humans and the natural world, evoking a sense of peace and belonging to something much larger than ourselves.
While ‘Holy Trees’ calls us to look outward, ‘Heartbroken’ brings us inward. This track takes a more vulnerable turn, exploring the complexities of grief and healing. The sparse instrumentation allows Bonnie’s voice to take centre stage, her emotion pouring through each note. ‘Heartbroken’ is a reminder that healing doesn’t come easily—it’s a process of acknowledging pain and finding strength within it. Bonnie’s honesty and rawness make this track especially poignant, offering a safe space for listeners to confront their own wounds and begin to heal.
But just when the EP risks settling into melancholy, Bonnie flips the script with ‘Warriors’, a track that pulses with energy and determination. Here, the vibe shifts dramatically, thanks to the addition of wistful piano, soaring strings, and driving percussion. “We are warriors / Bringing love to all life,” Bonnie sings, turning the song into a rallying cry for collective action. There’s a fire in her voice, an invitation to rise up against injustice and stand together in love and solidarity. The song’s question—“When the time comes to lift up your sword, will you fight with fear or will you bring some love?”—hits hard and stays with you long after the final note fades. ‘Warriors’ is a clarion call for those ready to fight for what’s right, and Bonnie Medicine’s impassioned delivery makes it impossible not to feel moved.
The EP concludes with the beautifully introspective ‘Wild Bodies’, a spoken-word piece that encapsulates the journey we’ve just been on. With lyrical references to earthly fertility, femininity, and the divine, Bonnie’s voice weaves through the track like a poetic spell. The song grows gradually, with plucked guitar strings and a soft vocal chorus, creating a peaceful, meditative space for reflection. It’s the perfect way to end an album that takes you on a voyage of emotional highs and lows, leaving you with a sense of quiet satisfaction and connection to the world around you.
One of the most impressive aspects of, Belonging, is its sense of purpose. Bonnie Medicine’s music isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a call to action, urging listeners to reconnect with their roots, each other, and the earth itself. Every track on this EP carries a message of healing, unity, and social consciousness. Whether it’s calling for a return to the old ways, fighting for justice, or simply embracing the sacredness of nature, Bonnie’s commitment to these themes is clear. Belonging, is a manifesto, a reminder that music has the power to change the world.
But let’s not forget the most important aspect of this EP—Bonnie Medicine’s voice. It is, quite simply, a thing of magic. Soothing and powerful in equal measure, her voice is capable of sending chills down your spine one moment and comforting you like an old friend the next. Her ability to weave emotion into every note she sings is nothing short of mesmerizing, and it’s this gift that makes, Belonging, such a deeply affecting listen.
At its heart, Belonging, is a celebration of the connections that bind us to each other and the world around us. Whether it’s through the soothing embrace of nature, the empowerment of community, or the act of healing from loss, Bonnie Medicine reminds us that we all belong to something greater than ourselves. The lush instrumentation, evocative lyricism, and Bonnie’s healing voice make this EP a balm for the soul, perfect for anyone seeking to feel grounded, inspired, and, above all, connected.
In a world that often feels like it’s falling apart, Belonging, is a reminder that, together, we can heal, we can grow, and we can fight for a better future. Bonnie Medicine has created more than just an EP; she’s created a movement. If you’re looking for music that nourishes both the soul and the mind, Belonging is an essential listen. It’s not just a collection of songs; it’s a reminder that we all, in our own way, belong.
Danielle Holian
★★★★☆