Chelsea Wilson: I Hope You’ll Be Very Unhappy Without Me

I’ll admit that I was sceptical about this album before I listened to it because it was classed as a pop album. Now, I know as a reviewer (or any good writer) you shouldn’t have any preconceived ideas or judgements and you should take things for what they are, but that’s really, really hard being human and all. So as you’ve probably guessed already, pop isn’t really my cup of tea, so I was pretty shocked when I found myself uncontrollably grooving along to I Hope You’ll Be Very Unhappy Without Me at my desk.
Maybe I had pop all wrong! Doubt it, it just happens that this particular album is classed under pop but it really should be in a genre called ‘getting down soul music’. What a voice this woman has – soulful, sexy and so seductive. The title of the album gives away that the songs are relating to what seems to be one very dramatic breakup. But this ain’t no Adele whine-fest; yeah, there’s hurt and anguish and all that jazz, but it’s done in such a powerful way that it’s empowering. You know, in a ‘sisters are doin’ it for themselves’ kind of way.
‘Bitterness’ and ‘Through With Lovin’ You’ are standout tracks; just close your eyes and you’ll be thrown into a smoky, dimly-lit cocktail bar where the likes of Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross might have belted out a tune on a Friday night. Tracks ‘Hit ’Em Like Ali’ and ‘Closer’ miss the mark and sound a little too poppy for my liking.
If you’re looking to add some seduction to your weekend, whack this baby on and let the good times roll.
By Montana Agustin