Lover, Other Review – Eclectic Styles That Seamlessly Combine

Over the past decade, singer Rosie Lowe has established herself as one of the most versatile talents in British soul. With a striking blend of soaring falsetto and raw huskiness, she made her debut with the evocative nocturnal atmospherics of the 2013 EP, Right Thing. Her subsequent major-label albums, Control (2016) and Yu (2019), showcased her range as she explored synth-pop and funk. Since going independent in 2020, Lowe has only broadened her horizons, releasing an array of projects including the lush R&B EP Now, You Know, and a choral-influenced collaboration with Duval Timothy, Son.

Her third album is her most freewheeling and creatively impressive yet. Recorded using a portable rig that she took everywhere from Barcelona to Berlin and Deptford, the record’s 15 tracks encompass a multitude of genres, from sultry bossa nova and thumping breakbeats to ambient synth soundscapes. Lowe’s commanding voice remains a comforting constant throughout the album, sinking into the laid-back melodies of “Mood to Make Love,” layering harmonies in the hauntingly beautiful a cappella piece “Don’t Go,” and navigating the frenetic beats of “Something.” Rather than feeling scattered, Lover, Other comes across as remarkably self-assured and cohesive.

Each track features unique production elements that set it apart, such as the warped sampling in the intro of “In the Morning.” The album as a whole is a delightful rarity with no skips, showcasing Lowe’s ability to seamlessly blend varying styles into a unified, compelling whole.