Since she emerged as Little Boots in 2008, Victoria Hesketh has been steadily regenerating, caressing her crystalline pop into bold new shapes. Released in 2009, the same year she topped the BBC's "Sound Of" poll, her Top 5 debut album Hands showcased a pop star willing to experiment, fusing massive pop hooks onto squelchy electronic soundscapes, while follow-up album Nocturnes succeeded in its aim to create experimental late night dance music built around classic pop songwriting. But it's on excellent third album Working Girl where the two sides of Hesketh's personality fuse, creating a forward-thinking, constantly shape-shifting pop album that you can delve headlong into. Featuring production from regular collaborator Simian Mobile Disco's Jas Shaw, Com Truise, super producer Ariel Rechtshaid (Haim, Beyonce, Charli XCX), SZA collaborator Patrick Lukens, MNDR's Pete Wade and UK upstart GRADES, as well as songwriting help from Tom Aspaul and Jeppe Laursen ( Lady Gaga's "Born This Way"), the Blackpool-born songwriter has created a unique, brilliantly intoxicating sonic world on Working Girl that pulls at the parameters of pop but remains true to its core.
T**9
Delightful, off-kilter electronic pop
This album gets underway with an amusingly self-referencing answerphone message ('Remedy' re-purposed as background muzak) before the first song kicks in - title track 'Working Girl'. Any concerns that Little Boots had become too arty and no longer interested in pop hooks is put to rest in emphatic style. The bassline has a proper thump, Victoria's vocals sound altogether more determined and the lyrics spell out the overall theme of the album - it's hard for a working girl. Clearly, previous record company issues took a heavy toll.If you favour Little Boots in this breezy, pop-with-a-twist guise then there are several more tracks in the same vein. 'No Pressure' is immediately catchy with another driving bassline, 'Heroine' is like a moody Saint Etienne classic with Rosemary's Baby chills in the outro and 'Get Things Done' locates a lovely 80s power pop vibe.Best of all is the stunning 'Help Too', which slows things down to an electro ballad stomp. It's like a dreamy mix of Twin Peaks chords and the best bits of The Human League thrown together. It also gives Victoria the opportunity to show the more vulnerable side of her voice - she has never sounded better.Second favourite is the thumping 'Paradise', which pulls off that happy/sad 'tears on the dancefloor thing' in much the same vein as 'Strangers' (highlight of previous album 'Nocturnes').Even the quirkier tracks ('Better In The Morning', 'Taste It') are charming.In the fickle world of radio playlists, it's a shame that this album is unlikely to get the kind of attention it deserves. But for lovers of electronic pop, it's another delightful excursion into the world of Little Boots.
T**S
Off white vinyl
Arrived solidly packaged and in great condition. The album plays fine (a little crackle here and there but no more than on other new vinyl) but the "white" is more "off white" with a few marks. The volume is quite low but I think it sounds better than the CD - suspect more compression/loudness/whatever is used on the CD.
K**N
I like Little Boots
I like Little Boots, so was probably always going to like the CD.It isn't as strong as her first album, but is getting better after several listens.Originally bought it myself as a Christmas present but it didn't arrive and contacted dodax the supplier who sent a replacement out straight away without any fuss, so pleased with both music and service. The 3 stars is for the music. Service was excellent.
M**6
She's Still The Boss
She's nailed it again. The perfect pop-sheen of "Hands" bubbles under a darker, edgier vibe that carries logically on from the midnight callings of "Nocturne". A superb and classy continuation of the growth of a criminally undervalued Brit heroine!
S**M
Great WORK
I would go so far as to say Im a big fan of Little Boots,Her enchanting ear worms are instant,cleverly never over staying their welcome."Get things Done" is a catchy piece of heaven,its sets the tone for the whole album,taut pulsing synth workouts with Victorias angelic voice.
M**E
Little Boots is a great talent and deserves success as she just gets better ...
Little Boots is a great talent and deserves success as she just gets better with each album. I have met her twice and is also one of pop music's genuine popstars out there. This album 'Working Girl' is amazing any track would be a single. Bring on album4 :D
E**X
... Boots is still making Hot synth music was not disappointed at all
Little Boots is still making Hot synth music was not disappointed at all. Its a must if you like her other numbers.
D**S
In the same vein as the previous album
In the same vein as the previous two albums this is an eclectic mix of electronic beats. It has taken me a couple of listens to get into the album. But its a great buy.
Trustpilot
3 days ago
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