I first heard Rae Morris about a year or so ago when she performed guest vocals on the latest Bombay Bicycle Club album, in the track 'Luna'. A decent track, with a glimpse of her vocal ability. Glastonbury came along and she joined the band on stage and perhaps got a glimpse of the festival scene she challenges to be a big part of this year. Then she appeared on the sound of 2015 list. Everything led up to the release of this debut, which was 5 years in the making.
A singer songwriter who writes pop songs. Not my usual thing, but her songs have a vulnerable, dark feel to them which compliments her voice especially when it's just her and her piano. 'Don't Go' and 'For You' show this off and are probably my favourite two on the album. The singles 'Under the Shadows' and 'Unguarded' offer a more classic pop feel with stomping choruses. 'Closer' is another highlight and very Lorde-eque.
The album maybe fades off a little towards the end and at times is a little over produced (like most pop music). But it's a pop album which doesn't try too hard. It's an album that feels personal to Rae Morris and its full of rawness lyrically. It feels like she hasn't had to or been forced to compromise her music to sell records or top charts which is refreshing.
A year or so ago, Bombay Bicycle Club released what was a highly enjoyable record that I returned to on and off for the whole year. I expect to do the same with their mate, Rae Morris' debut.
7/10
Here's the album opener 'Skin', which gives you a good feel of her musical style :)
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