Rosie Lowe's second album is a gorgeous, soulful story of a tumultuous relationship. Fusing funk, soul, R&B and pop, 'YU' is an innovative album blessed by Rosie's delicate vocals. The album is opened with 'Lifeline' an ambient, synthesised love song, with Rosie's voice touched by auto-tune. Along with 'Valium' it is a beautiful track, reminiscent of James Blake's style.
'Birdsong' is a laid-back, psych-funk groover with vocal collaboration from Jamie Woon, Jamie Liddell and Kwabs. The funky bassline, synth-stabs and blues-y melody is similar to the style of Anderson Paak. 'Pharoah' follows with a stripped-back funk-y instrumental utilising an organ sample from Pharoah Sanders’ 1977 “Memories of Edith Johnson".
'ITILY' is a smooth, ethereal lullaby with a minimalist backing track creating an almost hypnotic, disorientating journey through the story of a love affair.
Overall, 'YU' is an incredible follow-up to 2016's 'Control'. It feels as if Rosie's vocal and also the production (by Dave Okumu) has matured. This is a sexy, chilled R&B banger with help from brilliant collaborations with the likes of Jay Electronica, Kwabs and Floating Points.
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