MUSIC
Virgin Territory: Lorde takes a journey of self-discovery on her new album
Album Review
While Lorde's record label scrambles to identify the marketing genius who greenlit a batch of CDs that are not compatible with CD players, targeting an audience that is also incompatible with CD players, fans and media alike have been frantically clutching their pearls over the album’s artwork. Featuring an X-ray of a pelvis with a belt buckle and an IUD contraceptive device in the frame, the inlay cover image, meanwhile, is an intimate shot that lays Ms Yelich-O'Connor bare literally and figuratively. Leaning into shock value is often a glaring red flag about the confidence or lack thereof an artist has about their work. Still, thankfully, “Virgin”, while not earth-shattering, has enough substance to justify the hype.
The New Zealand native who crashed into the mainstream in 2013 with the monster hit “Royals” became a critical darling for her mix of darkly honest storytelling and high-end pop. “Pure Heroine”, Lorde’s debut studio album, garnered additional hits, including " Tennis Court” and “Team.” 2017’s sophomore effort, "Melodrama," was equally well-received, hitting the top spot on the Billboard chart. However, “Solar Power” in 2021 polarized listeners. Described as Lorde’s “weed album,” the fusion of folksy psychedelic pop confused longtime fans.
Kicking off with “Hammer, it’s clear Lorde is ready for her redemption arc with “Virgin.” Co-written by Jim-E Stack, the bold electronic production simultaneously harbors a sense of claustrophobia and minimalism. Leaving space for the lyrics to resonate, “It’s a beautiful life, so why play truant/ I jerk tears and they pay me to do it,” Lorde sings against a backdrop of sparse, rumbling synthesized beats that climb as if ready to explode into a full-on dance banger but stop short. With a memorable melody and nostalgic narrative, it would be nice to accompany Lorde on her journey of self-discovery for a little longer. Still, as if cutting the idea off at the knees, the track’s three-minute run time leaves it feeling underdeveloped. While this approach cultivates a sense of urgency, it is most likely a strategy to cater to the goldfish type attention span of streaming platforms like Spotify and TikTok.
Following the slick EDM-pop formula, the bratty delivery of the chorus of "What Was That" has the makings of a Summer smash, but hearing Lorde wax lyrical about her heady days as a drugged-out 17-year-old, now at just 28, comes off as too self-serious. She has not been on the planet long enough to be so jaded. Elsewhere, “Shapeshifter” stands out for being sonically fleshed out. The polished, cohesive arrangement of electronic drum loops, strings, and piano adds a moody texture to Lorde’s light, airy vocals. “Man of the Year,” meanwhile, finds Lorde at her most vulnerable. If you're willing to overlook the reference to her “recent ego death”, a hilarious notion for a world-famous popstar, this mostly acoustic ballad grapples with Lorde's questioning of her gender identity. Growling distorted guitars offer a surprise twist ending for the track, notching its intensity up to 11.
“Favourite Daughter” is a complex meditation on Lorde’s relationship with that fickle mistress called fame and the danger of craving her approval. Disguised by 80s-inspired handclaps and a fizzy pop melody, the lyrics allow the listener to go behind the curtain to witness the loneliness of stardom. “Clearblue” is one of the album’s more unconventional moments. Written in response to a pregnancy scare, the song, performed acappella, features multiple stacked harmonies. The density of sound could be interpreted as the swirling voices in Lorde’s head as she waited for the test results. While it works well, its abrupt ending is jarring on first listen.
While the concepts here are often not given enough time to marinate in their own energy, the album’s core sound and themes are refined enough to showcase Lorde's evolution both as an artist and a human. We can’t ask for more than that.
R&B Songstress Nia Smith’s Fearless Debut
Album Review
Describing her music as "a place where she can tell all her secrets", Brixton native Nia Smith is one of the music scene's most exciting artists to watch. With a vocal style steeped in soul and confessional lyrics, Smith's talent has already garnered attention from industry heavyweights like Jimmy Naples. Speaking about her debut E.P., "Give Up The Fear" released via Polydor Records, Smith revealed that her growing sense of self-belief inspired the title track. Meanwhile, her single "Personal", which is considered a standout of the collection, draws on the reggae influences of her childhood. The remix of the track, which features reggae icon Popcaan, has, according to Smith, helped her connect with her heritage. Raised in a musical home, the Brit School alum was surrounded by the sound of artists including Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill, and Amy Winehouse.
However, it was her performance of "Wings" by Little Mix at a school talent show that first sparked her musical ambitions. Using TikTok as an outlet to hone her skills, Nia's rendition of Adele's "Set Fire To The Rain" began to gain traction on the platform. Wasting no time, the straight-talking South Londoner earned support slots with Afrobeat artist Tems and the reigning queen of R&B, SZA, at her concert series at BST in Hyde Park. Produced by Grammy winner Jimmy Naples, alongside Tom Valentino and Ed Thomas, Smith has previously said she hopes her relatable storytelling helps listeners to "find a piece of themselves".
In February this year, Smith released, “Give Up The Fear + 3", a new edition of her E.P with three additional tracks, an acoustic take on her break out track ‘Personal’, an alternative take on ‘Reckless Soul’ – written alongside Ed Thomas, Violet Skies, and Jimmy Napes – and Lauryn Hill’s iconic ‘Ex-Factor’, a brave choice which is handled exceptionally well. Emanating a wisdom beyond her years, in “Give Up The Fear,” Smith sings, “the pain won’t stop until you give it up,” over sparse piano chord changes reminiscent of Mary J Blige’s “My Life” era. “Reckless Soul” stirs the senses with its intimate arrangement and powerful vocals. With her natural gift for connecting with her audience, creative authenticity, and beautiful tone, HSR predicts Nia Smith will be the brightest new star of R&B.
Somebody’s Child proves great music is timeless with their latest album
HSR recommends "When Youth Fades Away", the second album by Somebody’s Child. Released earlier this year, we decided to revisit the project for the uninitiated. The Dublin-based modern rock band has garnered a significant following since the release of their self-titled debut in 2023. Early tracks, such as “I Need Ya” and "We Could Start A War,” displayed the band's talent and potential. Meanwhile, electrifying support slots for Bloc Party, Kings of Leon, and The War on Drugs connected audiences with their raw yet anthemic sound. Led by frontman Cian Godfrey, the latest album, produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Peter Katis, delves into introspective themes, particularly the shifting perspectives that come with age. Sonically, the band steps outside their comfort zone, drawing inspiration in part from electronic pioneers like Kraftwerk and the lyricism of the legendary Leonard Cohen.
The project’s second single, "Last Night I Held Your Hand," is a soaring, bittersweet rock anthem. With energetic guitar riffs and pounding drums, Godfrey's intense, gravelly vocals convey the track’s sense of longing and emotional depth. With a stadium-worthy chorus just aching for live feedback, the song was written during a reflective trip to Western Wales. It became the foundation for the sonic and thematic vision of “When Youth Fades Away,” according to the band. “It carries a sense of innocence from earlier releases,” Godfrey says, “yet breathes new life into the direction this album has taken.”
Meanwhile, the euphoric guitars and synths of the album’s titular track create a familiar nostalgic warmth. Reflecting on the universal feeling of uncertainty, Godfrey sings “I feel it in my head/ Myself of old ain't coming back/ When youth fades away I swear/ I'm lost in the power of it all”. The emotional tug-of-war is palpable. Elsewhere, the triumphant heart-swell that is “New Orleans” processes glimmers of magic, but ends too soon, leaving the listener wanting more. “Wall Street” has all the elements of a commercial hit. A classic yet fresh guitar melody elevates its bombastic, unapologetically catchy chorus. Godfrey’s guttural delivery of the verses also helps infuse some grit into the proceedings. “My Mind Is On Fire” is an emotive ode to the conflict between a hopeful future and clinging to the past. Guitar ballad, “The Waterside,” stands out for its minimal production and haunting atmosphere. Album finale, “Time Of My Life”, combines 80s-inspired synths and an outro made for singing out of a car window at full volume. Youth fades away, yes, but Somebody’s Child proves great music is timeless.
Cult Classic Queen: The Music Of Cassie
"I can't say that I've been respected. There's a big part of me that wanted people's respect and not on a level of just listening to me speak, but listening to the music that I make and the music that I want to play for them. I think I've gotten shaded in a lot of situations where people just haven't given me a chance. Then I have been blessed enough to have been given those other chances, those second chances, so now people are listening to what I have to say." Cassie revealed to Hypetrak TV in 2013.
Debut: 2006
Beginning as a model at 14, Cassie met producer Ryan Leslie in 2004; Their professional and personal chemistry soon led to her signing with his production company, NextSelection. When the original version of the song, "Me & U," gained traction online via MySpace, an early online music-sharing platform, the Connecticut-raised aspiring entertainer signed to Sean "Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy Records in 2006. Re-releasing her breakthrough single 'Me & U' with a more polished, minimalist production style, the song became a hit, reaching number four on the Billboard charts and number two on the R&B charts. The song's hypnotic minimalism and sparse instrumentation would eventually become a trademark of Cassie's sound. Her self-titled debut album's combination of Ventura's breathy, laid-back delivery and futuristic R&B-pop was well received for its catchy hooks and crisp aesthetic. While Cassie's vocals were at times criticised for lacking range and power, she offered a sense of cool girl chic that audiences embraced as an antidote to the more heavily produced sound of the time. Dripping with attitude, the electro R&B pop of the single "Long Way 2 Go" garnered greater success in Europe than in the States, showcasing her potential to break through internationally. Elsewhere, on the album, Cassie's naturally sweet tone aligns beautifully with the acoustic ballad “Not With You.” Conversely, the funk guitars and Janet Jackson-esque layered vocals of "Miss Your Touch" create an album highlight. Not devoid of missteps, the immature-sounding "Ditto" and the pop punk of "What Do You Want," haven't aged well. However, it's the songs inspired by dysfunctional relationships that still feel the most impactful, almost two decades later. The darkly atmospheric "Kiss Me" and “Call You Out” possess new power in retrospect.. Written before her relationship with Combs in “Kiss Me”, when Cassie sings, "I'm intoxicated, I can barely breathe," the association is unavoidable. Cassie appeared on the music show 106 & Park to promote the album. Visibly nervous, Ventura’s vocals were described as “less than stellar.” The backlash was swift, with critics writing Cassie off as a studio creation. Diddy publicly defended his artist in a rare moment of empathy for the unusually cut-throat entrepreneur. In the years since, the doubters have been silenced as Ventura's debut has been reevaluated in recent years and credited with influencing the alt-R&B genre.
The Unreleased Second Studio Album: "Electro Love" [2008]
In 2008, Ventura entered the studio excited to record her sophomore album. According to Cassie, at the time, the working title "Electro Love" featured superstar collaborations with Ne-Yo, Maxwell, and Robin Thicke. Industry heavyweights, including music collective The Clutch, The Neptunes, Brian Michael Cox, and Mario Winans, were reportedly contributing their talents to the project. "Official Girl," featuring Lil Wayne, marked the beginning of a new musical era. While the song failed to reach the Billboard chart, the track's slick music video effectively conveyed Cassie's newfound confidence. However, when the project was again halted because tracks leaked online, the experimental, Latin-infused "Must Be Love" featuring Diddy was dropped to maintain momentum. The video depicts Diddy and Cassie separated by a wall in a house engulfed in flames —a visual metaphor that speaks volumes in 2025. A collaboration with Akon brought the carefree, club-banger "Let's Get Crazy," and after signing a new deal with Interscope [in partnership with Bad Boy], Cassie worked to reinvent her sound. The result was the pulsating "King Of Hearts." Diving head-first into house and techno, the song’s escalating monster groove clashes with Ventura's delicate delivery, which felt innovative and unexpected for its time. Cassie's aggressive yet catchy collaboration with Nicki Minaj in 2013 contrasted sharply with the ambient electronica production of "Balcony," featuring Young Jeezy. This low-fi gem exemplifies Cassie's signature of rough-edged, effortless cool.
Rockabye Baby Mixtape [2013]
With her second studio album no closer to fruition, Ventura channeled her energy into her mixtape, “Rockabye Baby”. Considered her most accomplished work to date, the project dropped in 2013 to practically universal critical acclaim. Inspired by the character of Keisha in the ’90s classic movie New Jack City, Ventura embodies a streetwise persona that contrasts with her naturally sweet demeanor. Hair shaved on one side, donning gold lipstick, and brandishing a blinged-out firearm- and that's just the artwork. The music does not disappoint. Featuring a who’s who of hip-hop, including Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, and Meek Mill, among others, the gritty sound showcased a darker side of Ventura. Setting the tone for the project, the understated yet assertive “Paradise” is a highlight of the project. Steeped in electronica-tinged hip-hop, the song portrays Cassie as an unapologetic force of nature. “You're my heroin and cocaine. I know you're not good for me, but I don't want to go away”. Cassie sings the raw and sinister-sounding 'Addiction.' The intensity of French Montana’s verse, complete with funeral tolls, adds to the forboding nature of the track. Meanwhile, Numb featuring Rick Ross invites us to escape with her. What seemed like rock n roll hedonism could now be reassessed as the destruction of her spirit. Flawless in its execution, Rockabye Baby demonstrates the true depth of Cassie’s talent when paired with the right collaborators.
2019: Ventura Music
Releasing the stand-alone singles ” Love a Loser " and " Don't Play it Safe” in 2017, Cassie finally cut ties with Diddy the following year. Embracing her autonomy, in 2019, she formed the independent label, Ventura Music. Reinvigorated by her new creative outlet, Cassie began the Free Fridays Playlist. Dropping a new song each Friday, the playlist helped Cassie reconnect musically with fans. Featured tracks include the dreamy, sensual "Moments" and emotionally honest "Excuses." Both produced by Chris N Teeb (Ciara, Tiffany Evans, Danity Kane). The latter, which samples Lauryn Hill's "Sweetest Thing," is an angelic acoustic ballad that lays bare the scars left by an unhealthy relationship. Elsewhere, "Hungover" is as haunting as it is beautiful, while on “Don't Let Go”, Cassie brings contemporary R&B coolness as she celebrates the security of true love. “Simple Things” reminds us that the best things in life are free, cementing Cassie's personal and creative evolution.
The Future
Only Cassie knows what comes next. If she returns with new music, her solid, long-time fanbase is sure to welcome it with open arms. While she may not be a vocal powerhouse, she cherishes the voice she has, embracing its limitations and harnessing its unique and special tone to create a sound that continues to be imitated today. Despite unimaginable adversity, Cassie's journey continues. As she builds her career, her legacy, and her family, her strength proves that some spirits are simply unbreakable.