Do you guys remember noughties singer Cassie? She was responsible for the ambient, R'n'B hit Me and U back in 2006? If you don't I'll post it below, maybe it'll jog the old noggin. Well, the 25 year old has been teasing with promises of new music for six years now, and finally delivered with new single King Of Hearts.
Cassie never had a "powerhouse" type of a voice but instead relied on its icy, almost robotic tone to create a signature sound for herself. It's a sound that works best when the production isn't too heavy or overwhelming and allows her voice plenty of space to work within. It's a route producers took with her biggest hit, Me and U, and have done so again with the new release, King Of Hearts . Except this time they've shifted genre from R'n'B to that of electro-dance. Its no surprise considering what is selling at the moment, but its a move that works well for her waif-like voice.
On first listen, King Of Hearts didn't impress much, sounding decidedly flat and baron, despite there being plenty of electronic layers and effects going on. But repeated listens have warmed me to it- I recommend listening to it through a good set of headphones to immerse yourself fully in its electronic landscape.
Much like Cassie's voice, King Of Hearts has an icy, subtle and elusive charm- not to mention a bridge that I LOVE. It won't exactly have you reaching for the glow sticks and florescent paint, but it's hypnotic, pulsating rhythm, and vocals, should have you bopping your head in sympathy after a listen or two.
Rating: B-
Me And U:
