Albums
January: 18 albums you need to hear this month
That's the month sorted then
Ronika 'Lose My Cool' (RecordShop)
Combining the best bits of the 80s, 90s and our current musical era, Ronika’s second album is a seductive genre-bending collection. ‘Dissolve’ and ‘Never My Love’ are sensual and R&B-flavoured, ‘Make Your Move’ is full of Chic disco vibes and ‘Trying to See in the Dark’ boasts a stadium-sized, guitar-led chorus. Elsewhere, on the addictive ‘All Comes Back 2 U’ and ‘Better Than Ever’ (which steps into Mariah Carey territory), the 90s pop influence shines through. The electronic production of ‘Trouble’ is bang up to date, though, while lead single ‘Principle’ and the soulful title track are potential chart hits. Infectious and groove-laden, ‘Lose My Cool’ manages to be both forward-thinking and vintage at the same time. Ben Jolley
8/10
