Estelle Gets Romantic on New Album ‘True Romance’

Most listeners in the United States best know British diva Estelle for collaborating with the infamous Kanye West to create their cross-cultural hit “American Boy.” On their international chart-topper, Estelle proved that she could rap, sing, and run with the biggest names in the business. However, Estelle does not need West or any other hotshot chaps to make her fresh club beats. Her new album “True Romance,” which dropped on February 17, 2015 is a smooth, take-charge dive into complex pop R&B that feels progressive without going over the edge. The title does not disappoint either, as she brings strong elements of resounding passion and a self-awareness that a body needs to love itself before dishing it out in a relationship. There is a lot to love about Estelle’s latest.

Overall, the record is easy listening as Estelle’s honey rich voice makes every note ring smooth and natural. However, a close listen will find that the simplicity is pure illusion given the range of multifaceted characteristics that are typical of the Grammy-winning artist. Power pop ballad “Conqueror” seamlessly weaves around mellow reggae tunes like “She Will Love” and old school soul tracks like “Silly Girl” (which could easily have found itself on a record by fellow Brit Amy Winehouse). Kind of like the record’s hot topic, love, Estelle’s songs flow together so well because they are real.

“True Romance,” Estelle’s fourth studio record, opens with “Time After Time” which dishes out its most modern and unique vibes. Heavy piano chords, high-speed beats and a deep backup voice echoing under it all gives a truly original feel to the song. This fresh sound launches listeners into the second single, “Conqueror,” a more conventional but no less compelling pop anthem of swelling emotion and empowering strength. It could serve as a more mature and introspective companion to Katy Perry‘s bubblegum version on the same theme “Roar.”

An upbeat medley “Something Good/Devotion (Passion Interlude)” that is almost all percussion, trumpets, and vocals bouncing off of each other in a musical dance bridges the way to Estelle’s first single “Make Her Say (Beat It Up).” Another stand out track, “Make Her Say” comes in subtle and sexy with an alluring beat box intro and Estelle’s lush voice poetically whispering secrets about how her lover can fulfill her needs. The accompaniment itself is very stripped down, rhythmic, and once again uses backup vocals as instrumental accessories, all adding to the song’s captivating and sexy vibes.

After a full load of eclectic sounds and complex elements to sing her love story, Estelle closes the record out with a genuinely simple piano ballad “All That Matters.” All the previous tracks about self-confidence, desire, and fighting for what you want are all encapsulated into the final song that sums up the essence of romance–finding each other. It is not as easy as it sounds, but unlike Estelle’s versatile new compilation, there is nothing complicated about that.

Estelle’s “True Romance” will be released Feb. 17.