Okay, I admit, I’m addicted to this record. First time I heard it I thought, ‘not for me,” too poppy, too bright and breezy. Then I decided to play it again Sam, and fuck me, I haven’t stopped playing it since. Imogen Heap has remained a bit of an enigma to me; I’ve heard her other artist’s records, and each time I try to go see her live, she decides to cancel – perhaps she knew I had been invited? She’s no prolific record-maker; I believe this is only her second album and the first sells at around £30 (if you can find one) which is a bit too rich for me. So here she is at last, in recorded form at least, and I’m now desperate to see her perform.

Heap uses electronics extensively and has become a bit of an expert at the fiendish art. I can only think of one other female singer/songwriter who is adept in electronic manipulation, the fabulous Laurie Anderson. The opening track is a supreme example of Heap’s dexterity and creativity. Headlock starts with twinkling electronic sounds and a dash of orchestration before her rather sweet and easy voice comes into focus. It’s a jazzy, rhythmic, melodic and danceable love tune that is both mesmerising and memorable. And hell, I love it to death. Goodnight And Go is more of the same but even better with Heap giving a superb and amazingly diverse vocal performance. It’s a mix of folk and pop that if given airplay would fly off the shelves. But it gets even better! Have You Got It In You is darker, with only backing vocals giving a slightly lighter touch. Vocally, she’s all over the place, in fact so much so that it’s hard to believe your ears… Utterly beautiful. Electronics and rhythm dominate the highly danceable, pacier Loose Ends. Lyrically it conveys Heap’s ability with lines like, “We’re kissing without kissing, And got it down to a fine art…” Then things take another very different turn with the amazing Hide And Seek. Electronics again come to the fore with voice manipulation that makes her sound like a bloke. But what surprises is that the song is one of the most moving and beautiful on the album, and that’s goin’ some…

There’s a beguiling and extraordinary subtlety to this album that makes it quite unique, and has the effect of slowly but surely engulfing the listener. There’s also diversity with the heavy rock intro and manic pace of Daylight Robbery in sharp contrast to the haunting and emotional beauty of my album highlight (for now) Just For Now. There’s the funky, dirty beat of I Am In Love With You and the mystical, manipulated magic of Closing In. Finally there’s the plain, simple and heavenly folk vibe of concluding track The Moment I Said with its glorious vocal harmonies… Imogen Heap has created an essential adult pop masterpiece.

5/5