English singer/songwriter
Anne-Marie
's debut effort,
Speak Your Mind
, compiles her early hit singles -- from as early as 2016 -- alongside a fresh batch of stylish, slickly produced dance-pop. Like contemporaries
Jess Glynne
,
Zara Larsson
, and
Dua Lipa
is also a graduate of the
Rihanna
and
Sia
school of R&B-influenced pop. While that timeless quality of truly great pop is hampered through its adherence to the sonic Zeitgeist of the late 2010s,
is nonetheless catchy, ebullient, and fun. In addition to standout singles "Ciao Adios," "Alarm," and "Friends" -- her international hit collaboration with EDM producer
Marshmello
-- the album also includes the singles "Then," "Heavy," and "2002," a nostalgic gem co-penned with
Ed Sheeran
Julia Michaels
that interpolates lyrics from late-'90s pop hits in its chorus. Of the previously unreleased offerings,
draws upon the spirit of
Charli XCX
for the slinky cool, trap-peppered kiss-off "Bad Girlfriend" while allowing her vocals to shine in a rare moment of vulnerability with "Perfect," a take-me-as-I-am girl-power anthem. These confident, empowering statements abound on the album, endearing in their confidence and refusal to be beaten by failed relationships and disappointing suitors. As her first official salvo into the pop arena,
hints at an enticing amount of potential for
and her engaging vocals. ~ Neil Z. Yeung