It’s been six years since Rita Ora dropped her debut album titled “Ora.” At the time, I thought she struggled with her musical identity, never really catching her footing when it came to finding a style that works for her personality. With “Phoenix,” I believe Ora has finally found a style that fits her, giving her a chance to finally live up to the lofty expectations we all had for her back when she first came out.

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STREAM

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TOP 5

 

5. GIRLS

I’m pretty sure I will go 0-4 in terms of trying to get everyone featured on this song’s phone number.

There’s a breed of bad ass women in music that doesn’t quite get enough shine in the industry; four of them are featured on this song. From Rita Ora to Charlie XCX to Cardi to Bebe, every person featured on this song has their own unique style, and it shows up on this pop-heavy record. Girl power is certainly alive and well, folks!

This song feels like one big ass girls night out.

 

 

4. YOUR SONG

“Your Song” isn’t just perfect for Galaxy Watch commercials, but it’s also one of those lively tracks that reminds you that love is a real thing and it is very powerful! Honestly, I like the glimmering effect the instrumental boasts, the powerful lyrics Rita dishes out, and overall, how uplifting the nature of the song feels.

 

 

3. NEW LOOK

I think “New Look” is refreshingly edgy. I say refreshingly, because I think Rita Ora doesn’t take enough advantage of her ability to be one of the spiciest divas in music today. Anyway, on the brief track, she questions what her ex-lover will do when he realizes his new love simply isn’t as amazing as her. I love how she drills dude like an army agent throughout, greeting him with aggressive lyrics and animated vocals. I guess it would be that stupid if you left Rita for someone else, right?

 

 

2. ANYWHERE

“Anywhere” starts Phoenix off. The track feels joyful, blissful, and high in energy. It also features some pretty rambunctious vocals from Ora, accompanied by this dynamic instrumental that is heavy on the techno side. In my opinion, this song is perfect for bar crowds.

 

 

1. LET ME LOVE YOU

“Let You Love Me” is a bubbly pop record that has Ora opening up about her many different concerns when it comes to dealing with being in a relationship. I enjoy how she lets loose from start to finish on it, singing with this level of confidence that I think is needed to make a major hit. I also believe this song has this universal feel to it that music lovers world-wide will truly enjoy.

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SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. ANYWHERE (4.5/5)

2. LET ME LOVE YOU (5/5)

3. NEW LOOK (4.5/5)

4. LONELY TOGETHER (4/5)

5. YOUR SONG (5/5)

6. ONLY WANT YOU (4.5/5)

7. FIRST TIME HIGH (3/5)

8. FOR YOU (FIFTY SHADES FREE) (3/5)

9. SUMMER LOVE (4/5)

10. GIRLS (4.5/5)

11. KEEP TALKING (4/5)

12. HELL OF A LIFE (3/5)

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OVERALL RATING

(B)

 

Yas, Rita, Yassss! I thought Phoenix featured a version of her that was bold, daring, introspective, care-free and super-hero-like. The writing on it was perfect, the versatility she showed from track-to-track was impressive, and her vocals were solid throughout. I feel like she finally let loose on this album, not giving a care whether or not her openness will lead her to a road where she’s heavily critiqued. For the first time, I felt like she fit in nicely doing what the other singers in her bracket would do, even if that means she will come across as predictable at times.