Cher Lloyd is back with her eagerly anticipated second record Sorry I’m Late. Explaining the album title to Billboard, she told them ‘I’ve spent a whole lot of time trying to figure out who I am” and this fresh mind set certainly resonates throughout the record.
Kicking off the album is ‘Just Be Mine’, a fast paced, up-beat tune complete with the stand out singing style Cher has become recognised for. Its pop breakdowns teamed with shouts and ‘uh huh u ahh’s are reminiscent of Avril Lavigne’s Girlfriend era, instantly making you want to dance. This is first of many songs that are guaranteed to be in your head all day.
Cher is renowned for adding an urban edge to her pop music and ‘I Wish’ featuring T.I is no different. Its catchy chorus and addictive rap create a perfect summer tune. ‘Dirty Love’ brings the same quick lyrics and in your face pop that is reminiscent of the style she was first seen performing on X Factor back in 2010. It is great to see an artist stick to their roots whilst at the same time bringing in new elements to keep it fresh.
A definite stand out track is ‘M.F.P.O.T.Y’ (short for ‘Mother ****ing Party Of The Year’). It is a lively, party tune with uplifting lyrics that instantly make you want to sing along and certainly evokes Miley vibes: ‘dust your shoulders off and we can kick it into the night…we be killin’ it all the way’.
Aside from the up tempo half of the album, the rest is a collection of heart-felt ballads. These much more personal songs create a sense of growth from the pop songstress and really shows more of herself than on the first record, singing with no holds barred about subjects that are important to her. ‘Bind Your Love’ is a romantic ballad with a big electronic chorus, blended with huge vocals to show off her range. Her voice is noticeably stronger and more powerful than and can be heard at the forefront of guitar led track ‘Sirens’ and equally as dark songs ‘Human’ and ‘Sweet Dispair’ – all of which shine light on a new side of her.
If you’re already a Cher fan, this album will not disappoint. If you enjoy simple pop with ridiculously catchy choruses then this record is almost certainly for you too. Put simply, it is self-assured, strong minded pop that doesn’t lose the familiar and well-loved Cher Lloyd sound.
