Album Review: A Stranger

In 2015 I reviewed Nicole Andrews’ album In The Shallows and raved about her rawness and connection with her music.

Needless to say, her second album A Stranger has done it again. Her creativity and confidence to bring her vulnerability to her music is inspiring and captivating to listen to. She has truly stepped into her own with this album and has created a collection of songs that are the perfect blend of electronic beats, unnerving synths and her enchanting rich warm voice.

I admire her way of letting the songs speak for themselves, with songs 008 and 004 being purely instrumental. 008 was one of the stand out tracks on this album for me, whisking me off to some timeless zone of tranquillity and emotion, one that when listened to can easily take the listener to a dreamlike serene state.

Other stand outs for me on the album are Beg for More and Bass Player. Her confidence in bringing emotions that can seem ‘dark’ and ‘gloomy’ is something I applaud and see instead as ‘courageous’ and ‘bold’. To create music that is so descriptive in emotion she has very much put her heart and soul on the line. It makes the Top 40 songs about love seem like something to be laughed at.

A fantastic second album, this one is fearless. It definitely feels like she is saying with her music ‘I am here, this is me and this is what I do’. It’s bold, it’s brave and you should definitely consider giving it a listen.

_{Review written by Ria Loveder}