After what feels like an incredibly long wait, the new album finally landed on streaming services today, Friday 12th September.
I’ve been lucky enough to hear some of the singles from the album live in Oxford earlier this year. My family is also booked to see the new album launch show in Coventry next month, and we’re really looking forward to it.
Our copies of the CD arrived yesterday, and we now have two copies. We received these as part of the offer to buy live tickets to see Sophie. That will make it our third time seeing her perform live in the last year.
The CDs are nice keepsakes, but like many, I stream all my music nowadays.
Album-wise, I love the artwork, and this latest offering returns to Sophie’s pop/dance roots. It’s an uplifting album that follows the previously excellent “Hana”, which remains one of my favourites.
After my initial listen, these are my immediate thoughts. This is an amazing album that I found instantly catchy. While we had already heard about five singles, it was excellent to hear so much new material.
Relentless Love
This single has been a strong and popular choice for Sophie to open her recent gigs, and it’s a great opening to the album.
Vertigo
This is one of the five singles featured on the album. I love the unique sound of this track, with its strings and synths. It’s upbeat and very Sophie-like. Her vocals on this one are particularly lovely.
Taste
This lively track and single is one of my favourites. The video is also fun.
Stay On Me
The first track on the album I hadn’t heard before, and the first that isn’t a single, is always exciting to hear. It has a more mellow sound while still being upbeat.
Dolce Vita
I was lucky enough to hear this live at an Oxford gig earlier this year. It’s an uplifting and fun track that reminds you of holidays and, of course, the good life.
Time
The opening is more moody and mysterious, gradually building into a catchy track. The reflective lyrics and vocals about the passing of time.
Glamorous
I love this! It’s a favourite from the new album tracks. It’s instantly catchy and I’m already on repeat.
Freedom Of The Night
The first single from the album, which has been around for a while, was supported by an amazing video and was thought of as the successor to “Murder on the Dance Floor.”
Layers
By this time, I’m still amazed that another new track is instantly likeable, especially an upbeat one. This album definitely grabs you right away. The vocals are typically excellent, and it’s already one of my favourite Sophie albums.
Diamond In The Dark
Maybe this will grow on me. I didn’t find it particularly likeable on first listen, but that often happens with music. Sometimes you have to give it a few listens, but it’s catchy.
Heart Sing
The build-up with the bass track and Sophie’s slightly mysterious vocals creates a slower, more atmospheric pace, complemented by orchestral accompaniment.
Don’t Know What You’ve Got Till It’s Gone
Before hearing this, I wondered what Sophie had pulled out of the bag for the close. It was a great and uplifting sound, accompanied by some strings. A satisfying close to the album.
There we have it – an excellent album that truly delivers. I can’t get enough of it and have lots of listens planned while walking.
