Album Review: Estelle, Lovers Rock

Ten years later singer Estelle is back with her most personal album to date. Telling her parent’s love story through their highs and lows she creates an upbeat, relatable album. Lovers Rock brings about a new side of Estelle as she takes inspiration from reggae and Afrobeat music. Joined by artists such as Chronixx, Alicia Harley and Luke James, Estelle introduces a fresh sound to a new generation.

More than music, Lovers Rock gives listeners an insight into women empowerment and gathering confidence from within. A feminist message has come about as a by-product of her parents’ story and influence.

Songs like ‘Queen’ and ‘Ain’t Yo Bitch’ inspire women to look at themselves and realize their worth. Women are deserving of respect and will not be shying away. The “Queen” Estelle describes is the kind of woman everyone should aspire to be; a woman used to wearing crowns that’s born with a plan for tomorrow.

However if you’re hoping for another dance classic like ‘American Boy’, look elsewhere. At a push ‘Meet Up’ is the bop of the album but it is unlikely it will stand the test of time as the 2008 hit featuring Kanye West has. Lovers Rock is more suited for a chill listen on a feel good Friday.

7/10