Freya Ridings - Blood Orange

Freya Ridings' second album 'Blood Orange' is impressive in its scope and ambition.

Combining widescreen anthemic string-laden pop with joyous disco-tinged hops and just the right dose of heartbreak, it's a step up from an artist looking to establish themselves as a big deal.

When it hits, it's supremely satisfying, like on the quirky slinky pop of 'Happier Alone' that highlights Freya's distinctive voice or the thrilling rush of 'Dancing In A Hurricane' while ballads like the mournful 'Face In The Crowd' are a good example of Freya's more evocative songwriting. At 14 tracks though the album is long, and there's a sharp and vivid 10-track collection here that would have hit much harder. There's certainly nothing held back as Freya bares her soul for us. It's a record that cements her place as an artist capable of making top-tier pop with an emotional resonance that hints at greater things.