Georgie Sweet – Misunderstood
UK soul singer Georgie Sweet makes her amazing debut on the thrilling Futuristica label. It is hard to believe while listening to the album that here is a singer and songwriter at work who is only 20 years old. Her neo soul or future soul album shows hints of both Thundercat and Erykah Badu, yet maintaining a unique, fresh and instantly affecting approach. The album was produced by UK electronica, hip-hop, and neo-soul stalwarts Marc Rapson, Simon S, Theo Howarth, Mecca:83, and K15.
The warm Rhodes intro, similar to what Moonchild did on their last couple of albums, opens the title track. Georgie’s subdued vocals over a hip-hop drumbeat and her overdubbed vocals in the chorus had me hooked from the start. The breakbeat style of “What I Had Done” and the repetitive vocals of the tune make this almost an instant winner. There are some quirky textures here, like on the rather short and edgy “I Am Living”, but it only adds to the excitement. “Here” reminds me of the best cuts by Jill Scott. Georgie’s vocals on this one come across more ethereal and transcendent than elsewhere on the record. “Deserve Something”, sweet and voluptuous, with a hypnotizing piano accentuating the luscious melody and vocals, is another highlight.
A fat bass underscores the dark ballad “Sorry” and I hear some Robert Glasper-style piano inklings on the midtempo soul/funk of “Stories” which also boasts with a great vocal arrangement. More hip-hop grooves abound on the haunting “Half Human” and “Flower” is one of those uncanny compositions which seem to be gleeming throughout this project. Exoticism meets out-of-this-worldism. Even though there seems to be a sort of ongoing coolness surrounding her vocals, Georgie is able to draw you in to her world with her unique and sophisticated style, like on “F.E.A.R.”. If you want more proof that here is an exciting singer at work, just skip to the very last track, a stripped-down live version of “Sorry”, with Georgie’s mesmerizing voice accompanied by warm keys only. A wonderful debut not to be missed.
First pressings of the limited edition vinyl has already sold out. There will be more vinyl available as early as December 11th.
