Estelle - All Of Me Album Review

Estelle – All Of Me Album Review

Posted by IV on February 29, 2012 // Leave Your Comment

( 4UMF NEWS ) Estelle – All Of Me Album Review:

It’s been over seven years since Estelle came on the scene with her debut album The 18th Day. She is back with All Of Me. Slated to originally be released in 2010, Estelle took some time off following a break-up and we are more thankful because of it. Estelle gives her all in All Of Me.

The album is reminiscent of Lauryn Hill’s classic album The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, complete with the classroom-style interludes. Estelle marries soul, dance, hip-hop and pop with ease in her third album.

With guest features from Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Rick Ross and Janelle Monae, the British songbird soars over every track.

The album starts off with the rap-heavy ‘The Life’ and ‘International (Serious).’ In the latter song, Estelle’s braggadocio is on full force but you can’t help but to nod your head and bob it out because chances are when she walks in a room everyone does know her.
‘Cold Crush’ is an old 80’s throwback pop love song that reminds me of my crush from back in the day.

She may not have the vocal range of other singers in her generation but on ‘Thank You’ no one shows more raw emotion and pain through her voice. Written by Akon, this song has a special meaning to Estelle because of the break-up.

Sidebar: I love how she pronounces ‘miserable’

The album closes with ‘Speak Ya Mind’ and the Janelle Monae assisted ‘Do My Thang.’ Both songs sum up Estelle’s independence streak perfectly.

All Of Me ran a little under 40 minutes. It is a smooth listen, but Estelle does leave us wanting more. Though she took a loss in love, Estelle comes out stronger than ever for it, a better songwriter, a better singer and a better woman.

Stand-out favorites: ‘Break My Heart,’ ‘Thank You,’ and ‘Do My Thang.’

The IV League rates All Of Me 4 out of 5

1. “The Life”
2. “International (Serious)” feat. Chris Brown and Trey Songz
3. “You and I”
4. “Love the Way We Used To”
5. “Cold Crush”
6. “Don’t Break It”
7. “Break My Heart” feat. Rick Ross
8. “Thank You”
9. “Who We Are”
10. “Wonderful Life”
11. “Found My Way…”
12. “Back to Love”
13. “Blue Skies”
14. “Speak Ya Mind”
15. “Do My Thing” feat. Janelle Monáe