SINGLE OF THE WEEK: Yorke - First Light
It’s not often that debut singles just hit you right in the chest with such certainty but Yorke has successfully done just that. ‘First Light’ is a triumphant first serving that showcases raw emotion and a whole lot of heart. The Byron Bay singer-songwriter introduces herself through the crisp synth production that is layered with dreamy vocal harmonies. The steady drum beat leads this song to an empowering and therapeutic release of repressed emotions. She explores the tough aftermath of a break up where you’re trying to pick up the pieces and find yourself again in amongst mixed emotions. You’re trying to do the best for the other person because you still care about them but at the same time you’re not looking after yourself the way you should be. “I must confess, I’m doing my best to hold you up, to find myself again. I must confess, I’m a mess right now”.
Her lyrics will overcome you with this empowering release of feelings with the whispering of “I’m struggling, you’re struggling” in the pre chorus as well as the ultimate confessing of “you were on my mind, for the longest time”. But whilst the lyrics are quite emotional and dark she shadows this with a very empowering and uplifting production. It’s the sort of song you’ll want to blast on a coastal road trip with the window down and the volume turned all the way up. And after a first listen you will be immediately hooked and anticipating what is next to come from this exciting newcomer.
SINGLE REVIEW: Little Mix feat. Nicki Minaj - Woman Like Me
Little Mix are the girl group we need in the world right now. The UK four-piece exploded onto the scene after they won The X Factor in 2011 and have since manifested a career of empowering, upbeat and fun pop songs. Through the release of their four studio albums they have constantly grown and evolved by delivering stronger collections. Their last studio album ‘Glory Days’ was their most cohesive collection of work yet as it heard them truly finding their sound and voice. After a long and well deserved break they have finally returned with the first single from their upcoming fifth studio album.
‘Woman Like Me’ is an empowering track that celebrates incredible women in every shape and form. It also explores the mistakes we all make and the hyper self-awareness where we don't think we are good enough. “I made a few mistakes, I regret it nightly. I broke a couple hearts that I wear on my sleeve. My momma always said ‘girl, you're trouble’ and now I wonder, could you fall for a woman like me”.
The production is lead by a gritty RNB beat that is layered with an electronic pop polish. It then adds a reggae element that enhances the vibe of the song. It is cohesively similar to the material they delivered on their last studio record and continues that strong feeling. The song also proudly welcomes a feature verse from Nicki Minaj which hears her beginning with a slight singing delivery before going straight into her usual rap flow. I did expect something a little sassier and edgier from her but it’s still a good verse. With each listen this song will grow on you and have you singing along to its feel good and positive hook. It may not be as in your face as ‘Shout Out To My Ex’ but it is as important.
SINGLE REVIEW: ALMA - Cowboy
I really didn't think ALMA could do anything wrong. But apparently it’s happened. ‘Cowboy’ is an interesting choice of a single for the Finnish singer-songwriter as it hears her disregarding her usually experimental and slick sound for something a little gimmicky. The track is a forgettable collision of electronic synths with an annoying hook that really isn't likeable at all. It tries so hard to be a hit that it just ultimately becomes unlikeable.
The lyrics don’t make sense with a storyline that seems to be all over the place. I’m still trying to understand why she feels like a cowboy because the rest of the song doesn't seem to give any clarification. It’s just a bit of a mess and it’s extremely disappointing because previously all she has given us is strong, empowering, experimental and catchy tracks.
EP REVIEW: Ashlee + Evan - Ashlee + Evan
In the mid 2000’s Ashlee Simpson dominated the charts with her angsty and honest pop-rock full of catchy hooks and served a whole lot of attitude. It has been 10 years since she released her third studio album ‘Bittersweet World’, so it’s safe to say that new music is respectfully long overdue. Luckily 2018 is seeing her change that with the birth of a new music project with her husband Evan Ross. Titled after their reality TV show (of the same name), Ashlee + Evan have compiled an experimental collection of tracks that hear Simpson like you've never heard her before. Stripped back and with a chilled RNB drive these songs bounce between doo-woop territory and seductive vibes.
EP opener ‘I Do’ hears the two vocalists sweetly harmonising as they declare their love and devotion to each other. Lead by a electric guitar they add adds a bass, synthesiser and drums to elevate this sound. From there the seductive ‘Paris’ recounts a steamy trip they had together and with dark synths and vocal synthesisers you will be feeling the experimental vibes. ‘Tonic’ takes this sound and adds a groovy Daft Punk inspired layer that will have you instantly grooving and dancing along. This is the EP’s most upbeat moment. But it’s apparent that no genre is off limits with the blues inspired ‘Safe Zone’ where Evan’s vocals really shine and highlight a different vulnerability to Ashlee’s vocals that we haven't really heard before.
Closing the EP is the acoustic moment ‘Home’ which really compliments the simplicity of ‘I Do’ that we were first introduced to. Throughout the 6 tracks they take you on a intimate journey through their romantic highs and lows and whilst they do experiment with a couple of different genre influences, there is a distinctive cohesiveness that ties it all together. This showcases an incredible maturity and growth of Ashlee Simpson as an artist and officially introduces Evan Ross to listeners for the first ever time.
ALBUM REVIEW: Jess Glynne - Always In Between
It’s been three years since Jess Glynne released her triumphant debut album ‘I Cry When I Laugh’ and introduced herself to listeners as a powerful vocalist with a lot to say. Her long awaited sophomore record hears her further exploring that sound she originally introduced with a bit more of a RNB and funk flavour to the production. ‘Always In Between’ is a little predictable at times but when she just belts it out she will have you hooked.
Opener ‘No One’ is one of the records strongest moments with it’s heartfelt lyrics and her soulful vocals that will have you captivated. “They say you're no one until you're somebody to someone. They say you're no one til someone misses you when you're gone”. The production starts off with just a simple piano and funk stomp box beat. But when the chorus explodes, it becomes this big euphoric and beautiful moment. It slides into the tropical lead single ‘I’ll Be There’ which is one of the years biggest growers. At a first listen I thought it was a little predictable and boring but over time she’s proved me wrong with the infectious hook constantly stuck in my head. ‘
All I Am’, ‘123’, ‘Never Let Me Go’, ‘Won’t Say No’ and ‘Rollin’ follow it’s lead with a slightly gimmicky production before she unleashes her inner soul diva. ‘Broken’ and ‘Hate/Love’, are the soulful moments you wanted and needed from this record whilst she strips it all down on the empowering and simply beautiful ‘Thursday’. This track is dedicated to any women who have never felt enough and serves as a reminder to love yourself and to take time to appreciate yourself. It’s a simple track that the world really needs right now. It ties together this empowering and reflective sound that she’s built around her soulful vocals. At times the album is a little predictable and gimmicky but there is a lot of heart in tact too.
You can read full music reviews, live reviews, interviews and more at www.thomasbleach.com
And want to check out some of these songs? Then check out the #BLEACHEDplaylist on Spotify which is curated each week by Thomas Bleach as his favourite new releases.
