Score: 4/5 stars
Many only know Estelle as the songstress on “American Boy” with Kanye West.
However, she’s coming back onto the music scene with a new album, “True Romance” that includes no big name collaborations and isn’t missing a beat.
“True Romance” is Estelle doing what she knows best. She’s singing a combination of pop and R&B all in the style of love song after love song.
The record is split into themes of romance, courage and passion all of which are elements of a relationship. However, the album isn’t full of slow, sappy ballads instead most of it is smooth or poppy R&B.
“True Romance” has a similar feel to Kelly Rowland’s 2013 album “Talk a Good Game” except with happier lyrics and themes. The songs transition between slow and fast paces but every track causes a relaxing disposition.
The possible hits are the songs early in the album.
“Time After Time,” the first track, is a front runner for a radio single with its heavy dance beats and catchy, repetitive chorus. The album is a fun, flirty love song— something made for the radio.
Another option is “Conqueror” where Estelle sings about being strong and earning what she wants. Many female artists are starting to do this and the “girl power” anthem normally finds its way into the top-100 charts.
“True Romance” doesn’t stop at successful, potential radio tracks. It also includes songs worth a listen even if they never reach airwaves.
“Something Good/Devotion (Passion Interlude)” is a six minute song that won’t make it farther than the tracklist but is one of the best songs on the album. The song is a combined track so it’s not a boring listen. It is also layered with genres. Estelle combines a disco, pop and blues sound all in one song.
Letting this song be overshadowed by the shorter, less complex tracks would be a shame. It’s also expertly placed almost to the middle of the record, giving the effect of creating a new element to the radio-ready songs before it.
Estelle hasn’t created more than an crossover R&B album, but her vocals and experimental elements will keep it from falling through the cracks.