English singer/songwriter Anne-Marie's debut effort, Speak Your Mind, compiles her early hit singles -- from as early as 2016 -- alongside a fresh batch of stylish, slickly produced dance-pop. Like contemporaries Jess Glynne, Zara Larsson, and Dua Lipa, Anne-Marie is also a graduate of the Rihanna and Sia school of R&B-influenced pop. While that timeless quality of truly great pop is hampered through its adherence to the sonic Zeitgeist of the late 2010s, Speak Your Mind is nonetheless catchy, ebullient, and fun. In addition to standout singles "Ciao Adios," "Alarm," and "Friends" -- her international hit collaboration with EDM producer Marshmello -- the album also includes the singles "Then," "Heavy," and "2002," a nostalgic gem co-penned with Ed Sheeran and Julia Michaels that interpolates lyrics from late-'90s pop hits in its chorus. Of the previously unreleased offerings, Anne-Marie draws upon the spirit of Charli XCX for the slinky cool, trap-peppered kiss-off "Bad Girlfriend" while allowing her vocals to shine in a rare moment of vulnerability with "Perfect," a take-me-as-I-am girl-power anthem. These confident, empowering statements abound on the album, endearing in their confidence and refusal to be beaten by failed relationships and disappointing suitors. As her first official salvo into the pop arena, Speak Your Mind hints at an enticing amount of potential for Anne-Marie and her engaging vocals. ~ Neil Z. Yeung
Professional Reviews
NME (Magazine) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "When Anne-Marie incorporates her dubstep influences on `Bad Girlfriend,' she's at her most intriguing..."
Clash (Magazine) - "The album opens with `Cry', which with its tribal chanting and flute-heavy instrumental may catch those expecting an album of 12 pop-ready hits off guard. The down-tempo, piano-led `Perfect' is also a refreshing change of pace."
