Following the acclaim of her eponymously named debut album, Hollie Cook is releasing her second album ‘Twice‘. Not just restricting herself to one genre, Cook plays with elements of reggae, pop, disco and even incorporates a bit of strings ensuring that her sound differs from what’s already out there in the music scene.
She begins with ‘Ari-Up’, a song opening with unexpected gospel-style vocals before a rhythmic Carribean infused beat takes over, a sound that the music industry tends to lack these days. The addition of the Macedonian Radio Symphonic Orchestra’s strings makes all the difference in distinguishing Hollie’s artistic direction as quite impressive. The same can be said for next track ’99‘, a nostalgic track reflecting on lying on the beach in 1999 – the chilled percussion helping to create a real image to visualise for the listener.
Third track ‘Desdemona‘ is next allowing Hollie’s vocals to really take stage. Her light tones certainly work to a beat that is the true definition of groovy. The regretful ‘Tiger Balm‘ follows and already sounds very similar to its preceding track which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but leaves you feeling a little underwhelmed.
‘Postman‘ comes after and brings along with it a bit of steel drum action. The song is just as cool as the album’s colourful artwork although a little more steel drum wouldn’t hurt! Lead single ‘Looking For Real Love‘ is next, an unconventional break-up song where Hollie seeks not only real love from someone else but also from within. The chilled track is a decent single choice, definitely the cosmic love affair Hollie told Hit The Floor last month.
Seventh track ‘Superfast‘ focuses on wanting someone but simultaneously not wanting to look overly desperate. The track has an old-school vibe to it as does the title track ‘Twice‘. The five minute piece highlights that reggae and strings when put together make a surprisingly original sound but again, it’s a sound that she’s already introduced us to. More of Cook’s smooth vocals would’ve kicked it up a notch though. ‘Win Or Lose‘ finishes the album. The ambiguity of the lyrics leaves you a bit dissatisfied in hoping there’s a song with a tad more ooomph to close the record.
Although Hollie’s fresh, laid back sound is far and few between, she pushes it forward a little too much so far that the album sounds more like an extended track rather than having a good blend of mixed-tempo songs. The album is sure to be a decent soundtrack for the summer but whether it has longevity afterwards is another matter.
