I wouldn’t mess with Nadine Shah. There’s a toughness to the Geordie singer songwriter, and a raw honesty in everything she does. She’s am outspoken advocate for feminism, fiercely anti-racist, and has spoken out for mental health awareness and artists receiving fair pay.
So it’s hardly surprising that this, her fifth studio album, is an honest account of the struggles she’s recently faced: a romantic split, loss of her mother, and PTSD. Lesser artists would tip into self pity or self indulgence, but this is accessible pop with a capital P- albeit pop which lurks in dark, twilit corners.
There are lighter moments, too, as with the bouncy, teasing Greatest Dancer, but she most excels within the late night flashing neon confines of French Exit, an electronic pulsing tune reminiscent of Depeche Mode at their sexiest and most brooding, or the prowl of You Drive, I Shoot, a cinematic track underscored by hypnotic bass and climbing strings.
Above it all though, lies her beautiful, soulful voice, sinewy and strong; imperious, warm or wry when it needs to be. Even Light, the track which the album’s title comes from, showcases that extraordinary vocal range. As with the best pop musicians, Shah is an effortless shapeshifter. You never quite know what you’ll get, but it’s bound to impress. She just keeps getting better.
Out now via EMI North
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