Forward – Adée

While the tinsel and baubles were still glistening from the tree, and the year 2019 was drawing to a close, Swedish soul-hop artist Adée released her second album – Forward.

The term ‘soul-hop’ summarises the nine-track album fittingly although Adée herself delivers more soul than previously. When Adée sings soul, she presents it with effortless sensitivity and caressing vocals.

Adée, who has always evoked confident femininity, searches more in-depth into her sexuality and relationships. For example, LEAN IN (feating Call me Unique) is a sensual soul single conjuring images of steamy bedroom intimacy. Add this to a baby-making playlist! And intimate soul continues on YOU, YOU, YOU before the more pop flavoured M79 (STAY).

For me, on the mix for the equally soulful Bittersweet, Adée and Rahimic vocals sit in front of the music which gives it an unintentional demo feel. However, this mix benefits the excellent – Inget är enkelt, where her voice seems to fully surround you. Accompanied by surging chords, the Swedish/English sung track is a joy.

The album also sees Adée taking a step back from the rap duties (which she is more than capable of) and collaborates with guest rappers such as Queen C (High) and Vital on Home (Remix). Both tracks feature catchy choruses, and the rappers add new dimensions and contrasts to Adées vocals.

Forward, the albums final track is lyrically revealing. Darker in tone Adée’s story of moving on after losing love is hauntingly engaging.

The artwork of her single releases (different photo angles of Adée), culminated in this albums’ final cover design.

The concept reveals the many sides of the vivacious singer/songwriter while the entire contents elegantly demonstrates her complete artistry.