Album Review: Rebecca Ferguson – Freedom

Rebecca Ferguson achieved a mean feat with her debut album. It was a collection so delightfully warm and open that it came as a shock. It felt like the arrival of a proper star, one who knew who they were as an artist and understood the nuisances of creating a cohesive album.

Now, with the release of her second album, Freedom, Ferguson has played to her strengths again. While sonically there’s not been too much of a departure from her first album, Freedom has a darker, grittier edge to it.

New single and album opener ‘I Hope’ is a pounding, emotional pop song. It stands out immediately with its repetitive drums and chorus. While unconventional, the chorus is majestic, with Ferguson calling “I hope life treats you good, I hope life treats you good, I hope, I hope, I hope.” There is something deeply melancholic about the tone while purporting optimism.

Similarly, ‘Fake Smile’ is a dark lamentation of the breakup of a dysfunctional relationship. Ferguson’s vocals are deceitfully beautiful as she sings, “but I thought we were getting better, and he just smiles and tells me I’m not the one.”

Yet, it would be unwise to assume that Freedom is a traditional breakup album. In fact, it is probably as optimistic as albums come. The carnival-esque ‘My Best’ sees Ferguson positively spinning personal troubles into a celebration of the things that you do have. The gospel choir (and who doesn’t love a gospel choir) gives the song an element of a proclamation.

The personal struggles that Ferguson has been subjected to over the past few years are very much addressed with Freedom, but not in a self-pitying, deprecating way. Rather, songs like ‘All That I’ve Got’ and ‘Wonderful World’ are a celebration of coming through trouble stronger, wiser and wary. The opening line of “Every hurt I will keep, like gold in my pockets” in ‘Hanging On’, acts as a tremendous moment of self-awareness tinged with optimism. The throwback sound utilised by most of the tracks doesn’t feel contrived. Rather, Ferguson’s vocals glide elegantly amidst the horns and strings while modern percussion brings the sound to 2013. ‘My Freedom’ uses a sparse echoing drumbeat complete with nifty production and surprise synths, while remaining a Rebecca Ferguson song.

The standout moment comes on ‘We’ll Be Fine’. The opening riff is reminiscent of Whitney’s ‘It’s Not Right But It’s Okay’, until the chorus smashes in with upbeat drums and soaring vocals. Taking its cues from Naughty Boy, the song showcases Ferguson’s ability to write a really great song. The repetitive nature of the chorus isn’t irritating, but rather creates a catchy and quite simply awesome moment of musical bliss.

Album closer ‘Freedom’ is the hardest moment of the record. Ferguson’s vocals are drenched with a tearful and emotive quality. You can hear the pain as well as a genuine therapeutic moment when Ferguson sings, “And it’s the rhythm, sweet freedom, I was so dumb, they held me to the ground, but I am free now.”

Again, Rebecca Ferguson has created an album full of so much. But, unlike her debut, Freedom is as personal as it gets. Each song feels as if a little part of her was left while recording it. It’s rare that artists, especially ones from reality shows, are so honest in their music. However, what sets Ferguson apart is her voice. Its rich, soulful tone is the real deal and she sounds unlike anyone gone before her.

Freedom should propel her to the major leagues. It’s an album that is truly wonderful, by a woman so full of class with so much more to give.

– Alim Kheraj

Rebecca Ferguson is playing 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Sunday March 16