Kathleen Brien, better known as Katy B, gained attention as the dubstep scene made its way into the music charts. Her track Katy On A Mission was seen as one of the crucial track in bringing dubstep into the public’s attention, supported by Benga of Magnetic Man, the producer of the single. She also went on to feature on Magnetic Man’s album. The use of dubstep was her unique selling point, over and above the likes of Emilie Sandé. So far the album has divided the music world, it is the kind of album everyone has a different opinion on, mine is below, but I recommend you listen to it yourself and form your own.
If anything, this album will prove to everyone exactly how talented Katy B is. The album is more serious and shows a level of maturity which wasn’t really present in her previous music. As I mention below, the album is better where she moves away from simple pop music, closer to dance and more marginal music. The album has attracted many five star reviews, I do not think that it is quite worth that much hype, however the album is solid, a good second release.
Next Thing opens with a high intensity, bass heavy sound, displaying exactly the kind of tack Katy B will be taking with this album. This no-bull approach is a bit of a shock to the system, and appears to be an attempt to display how seriously Katy takes the dance side of her music. This point is further highlighted in the house drum beat behind the track 5 AM. This track is more pop-orientated, and is more feel good. The track verges on being too soft, but as I live track I’m sure it would win over any festival audience. Aaliyah features another pop-house goddess, Jessie Ware, and discusses the theme of jealousy. The two voices work well together and the production matches the song well, maintaining the house theme while lowering the intensity of it. Crying For No Reason was the second single from the album, and is much more pop music that dance. The track shows a more serious side, again, to the artist, but this time in terms of her voice. The track is less strong than others on the album, and verges on boring at moments to be honest, I appreciate the fact she needs to show a bit more versatility but I don’t think a track of this kind really plays to her greatest strengths and that she should move further to the margin than the centre. Clearly, though, the general public disagrees with my view, with the track debuting at number 5 in the UK singles chart. I Like You follows, fulfilling my desire for her to go with a more marginal sound. The song was produced by George FitzGerald, which may be why I like it more, but her voice matches the production extremely well, making the track an album highlight. All My Lovin’ is co-produced by Joker, the king of the Bristol dubstep scene, who has been disappointingly hidden in his recent activities. His input on the album is evident from the start. The track is edgy and different, again assisting my point about how Katy would be better off moving towards a more edgy sound. Tumbling Down features a heavier, slower bass beat. This track is similar to Crying For No Reason in its pace and feeling, but simply much better. Everything has a heavier, again, house feeling, with a very clean production behind it. The song is simple in feeling and is essentially very good, without overcomplicating itself. The track Play features the incredibly talented Sampha, a hugely distinctive voice which adds layers to the track. I would like to hear more from this artist, but for the moment the production and vocal presence on this track will satisfy demand. Sapphire Blue is much slower, with an interesting sound and soothing vocals. The track is very relaxing, despite the lyricism slightly letting the track down. Emotions is another track in which Katy proves her vocal ability, in no uncertain terms creating an extremely song track. The backing track takes a fairly large step back for the majority of the song, highlighting the simple strength of her voice. Still continues this theme, however the chorus is much larger and more soulful, and the production is faster and more subtle. The track is a powerful end to the album, and I’m sure will become very much more popular as proof of exactly how talented this young lady is.
Nilla Reviews 