British R&B/soul music has been making its way back to the forefront in recent years with various mainstream/underground artists like Estelle, Daley, Alice Russell and Lemar showing love and staying true to the artform delivering truly high-quality projects. 2013 has brought a truly unique artist into that arena after a three year absence from music. I give you British R&B/soul singer and songwriter Hayley Cassidy.
Hayley has just released a brand new 12-track album named Stripped which introduces/re-introduces her to new and old fans alike. As the title suggests, Hayley Cassidy strips it all away to take things back to where music was made freely and openly with a sound that had no boundaries, rules or conditions to meet.
The result is one of the most solid diverse bodies of work I’ve heard in quite a while. It possesses energy, attitude, and sass that captivates you with every listen. The songs are littered with infectious hooks, slow-burning grooves, meticulous string arrangements and synth-heavy basslines to full effect. Yet, she equally knows how to show subtle honesty, introspective, and inner beauty in her lyricism. This is a commanding musical statement of an assured artist who knows the direction she is heading in and is comfortable with her sound. Hayley Cassidy pours her heart out musically with powerful absorbing vocals and compelling songwriting over heightened musical arrangements and intricate poignant production soundbeds from the likes of 3 Mindz (Tinie Tempah, Wretch 32) and long-time collaborator GKid.
Hayley Cassidy has given the R&B world a truly remarkable masterpiece which could professionally stand up to any recent US offerings.
Download Stripped from Hayley Cassidy’s Bandcamp page
Author: Kamran Assadi
Full article link – http://mobo.com/news-blogs/new-music-hayley-cassidy-%E2%80%93-stripped
Kamran Assadi 