Jen's Music Review

Jenness Mitchell • Published 29 Aug 2012 09:30 0 Comments

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Rita Ora: Ora

Rita Ora is a wee babe. The 21-year-old West Londoner has come a long way since her debut musical appearance on Craig David's Awkward in 2007. The mezzo-soprano then auditioned on Eurovision: Your Country Needs You to represent the UK in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, but withdrew from the competition after a few episodes as she didn't feel entirely ready. Now, having signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, Ora is pretty much being touted as our answer to Rihanna. At the beginning of the year she hit the top spot in the Charts with DJ Fresh's Hot Right Now and has since scored two solo number ones with R.I.P. ft. Tinie Tempah and How We Do (Party) - featuring sample lyrics from Notorious B.I.G's Party and Bullshi*. Ora smashed the festival circuit during the summer and was my highlight at T in the Park with a performance Beyoncé herself would be proud of. I'm looking forward to catching her guest judge stint on this season's X factor - as will many of her Ritabots. Citing Gwen Stefani as her idol, Ora is a street sassy sweetheart. As far as debut studio records go, Ora has been lucky to score several impressive producers - from will.i.am, Kanye West and Stargate to Ester Dean, Drake and The-Dream. This release is dripping with talent, courtesy of her Roc Nation family connections, and has a swagger of youthful enthusiasm. Speaking of the album's influence and concept, Ora said she wanted it to sound like the subway - free and raw. It definitely has oozings of attitude, but is steamed with pop to attract a solid fanbase on both sides of the pond. As with Rihanna, Ora will be able to shape and develop her music in the way she genuinely wants once she has a dedicated following. Rita Ora is the new music It Girl - and quite rightly so. Highlights include How We Do (Party), Roc the Life, Radioactive, R.I.P., Fall in Love and Been Lying.

Spotify Playlist Recommendation:

Emily and the Woods: Eye to Eye. Gem Club: Red Arrow (John). Little Dragon: Twice. Eight And A Half: Go Ego. Lucy Rose: Lines. Giselle: Silk. Wild Nothing: Shadow. Warpaint: Undertow. Ben Howard: Old Pine. Bloc Party: The Healing.

Kick back and relax with these fine tunes.

Videos to check out:

Rachel Sermanni, Waltz: www.youtube.com/user/RachelSermanni

Lucy Rose, Bikes: www.youtube.com/user/LucyRoseVEVO

Frightened Rabbit, State Hospital: www.youtube.com/user/frabbitTV

2 Chainz, I Luv Dem Strippers ft. Nicki Minaj: www.youtube.com/user/2ChainzVEVO

Green Day, "Oh Love": www.youtube.com/user/greenday

Bats for Lashes, Laura: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UznHTBZIa8E

Gig updates:

Kimbra, Oran Mór, Glasgow (31 August)

Deap Vally, Nice N Sleazy, Glasgow (4 September)

The Script, ABC, Glasgow (9 September)