January 2016 - Music
Album of the Month - Fleur East
Less than a year after placing in second in 2014’s X Factor, she returned to the UK TV talent show to perform her debut single, “Sax.” Sure, you could see the influence of “Uptown Funk” in both the song itself and in the performance especially given that East’s take on the then-not-released-in-the-UK hit was seen as her breakthrough. But as the performance ramped up, as East back-flipped mid song, nailed every move and oozed pop star glow, you suddenly saw it. This was not just prime pop spectacle, but a statement of intent from a pop talent with plenty of offer. For those who saw world-conquering pop chops in East’s X Factor turn, it can’t come quickly enough. It’s a quick turn-around for the X Factor behemoth: To have a runner-up release an album this soon is unusual especially when said album isn’t merely a hastily cobbled together covers record.
Love, Sax and Flashbacks is not a game-changing pop masterpiece, and at times, the constant throwbacks start to border on pastiche. What it does have is a breezy, likable charm, and enough interesting twists to feel like a promising start for Fleur East on her quest to become an all-singing, all-dancing pop sensation. As a way to let her showcase warmth and chart-dominating potential, this is an excellent calling card. And in a category usually stuffed with rushed debut releases, it’s a true standout. My rating 9/10.
Less than a year after placing in second in 2014’s X Factor, she returned to the UK TV talent show to perform her debut single, “Sax.” Sure, you could see the influence of “Uptown Funk” in both the song itself and in the performance especially given that East’s take on the then-not-released-in-the-UK hit was seen as her breakthrough. But as the performance ramped up, as East back-flipped mid song, nailed every move and oozed pop star glow, you suddenly saw it. This was not just prime pop spectacle, but a statement of intent from a pop talent with plenty of offer. For those who saw world-conquering pop chops in East’s X Factor turn, it can’t come quickly enough. It’s a quick turn-around for the X Factor behemoth: To have a runner-up release an album this soon is unusual especially when said album isn’t merely a hastily cobbled together covers record.
Love, Sax and Flashbacks is not a game-changing pop masterpiece, and at times, the constant throwbacks start to border on pastiche. What it does have is a breezy, likable charm, and enough interesting twists to feel like a promising start for Fleur East on her quest to become an all-singing, all-dancing pop sensation. As a way to let her showcase warmth and chart-dominating potential, this is an excellent calling card. And in a category usually stuffed with rushed debut releases, it’s a true standout. My rating 9/10.
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