Katy B - Little Red Review

Wonder if she got hold of that Valium?

Katy B's debut album On a Mission was Mercury nominated, reached #2 on the UK album charts, and was bloody brilliant. Layers of dubstep, dance, funky soul and electronic synths merged with her emotive, smooth vocals to create an album with gorgeous flow and immense quality. It's been 3 years since she launched herself onto the commercial music scene and now she's back with sophomore album Little Red. 

This moment in an artist's career is often cited as the 'difficult' second album. 'Second album syndrome' has poisoned the endeavors of so many in the past, but thankfully in Katy B's case she's managed to retain immunity. Little Red is packed with joyous moments of dance production perfection, along with the dub step elements that made her debut so successful. 

Lead single 5AM is one of the year's slickest, most exciting dance tunes, with an exhilarating chorus, gorgeous production from On a Mission's producer Geeneus and stunning vocals. In a musical battlefield where artists are sharpening and reloading their dance song armory, trying to maintain their foothold in the charts and keep their bank balances topped up, Little Red is a veritable rocket launcher and Katy is wiping out her competition. Opening track Next Thing and cuts I Like You, Emotions & Aaliyah (feat Jessie Ware) are all heady dance floor fillers. Jessie Ware collaboration Aaliyah is a wonderful foray into easy-going, hip-swaying dance music brimming with sumptuous vocals from both B & Ware, layered over syncopated synths; a song where both ladies plead with Aaliyah not to try and take their men. Emotions reaches its crescendo in its final moments, going from mid tempo pleasantry to exhilarating dance number. It's not all 'newish' territory though, Little Red doesn't shy from the sound of On a Mission. All My Lovin' is bursting with thick beats, dub step electro quivers and echoes.

Balladry isn't something expected from an artist like Katy B, but on Little Red she's certainly surprised everyone with Crying For No Reason. It's a gorgeous vocal led number with a minimalist synth and key arrangement that ups tempo after the first chorus. The hooks continue with Still, another down tempo love song showcasing how affecting her voice actually is.

Overall Little Red is a fantastic second album. If it's not quite 'your thing' it could prove difficult to get into on first listen but give it a second go and you'll change your mind. With songs like CFNR, 5AM & Aaliyah there's no denying the immense quality available here. It's a step forward from her dub step beginnings and yes it's more commercially friendly, but it has to be respected that she hasn't let go of her On a Mission days quite yet. It's all about awesome dance production, great song writing and lovely vocals here.

4.5/5