Pearl (Heather Nova album)

As it is 25 years since the release of Oyster, Nova's second album from 1994, the themes of Pearl mirror those on Oyster. Reviewers have noted the rockier feel to the album Pearl in comparison to some of Nova's previous albums in the 21st century.[4]

Nova worked with the music producer Youth on the album at his own studio in Spain.[5] Youth was also the producer on Oyster and was enthused about this follow up album.[6] Nova stated that there is a correlation between both Oyster and Pearl, saying

A pearl is hopefully what forms inside an Oyster after all the years.[7]

Further links with Oyster include the song "Over the Fields". Nova states

Last year [2018] the man I wrote "Island" about (who had abused me) was dying. When I heard that, I reached out to him for the first time in almost 30 years, to say that I forgave him. He wrote me an incredible letter of regret and apology for all the pain and suffering he had caused me. I felt there was a kind of closure. After he died, I wrote "Over the Fields"; It's a song of forgiveness and compassion for a troubled soul that never managed to find its way clear in this life; A hope for a second chance the next time round.[6]

The album was preceded in some European countries by the single "Just Kids", on May 31, 2019, but in other countries, the first single released was "The Wounds We Bled".[8]

• Heather Nova – acoustic guitar, vocals, melodica
• Vincent Lions – guitar
• Midori Jaeger – cello and piano
• Geoff Dugmore – drums
• Youth – bass guitar[9]