Katy B: Little Red

Her 2011 debut, On a Mission, was an astute calling card, but much of Kathleen Brien's new album lacks the qualities that made the first so sharp and vibrant. The same fizzy blend of 1990s dance (particularly prominent on Next Thing and the elated bounce of I Like You), dubstep and electronic pop is still audible, but all too often Brien's personality fades into a background of sleek studio effects and predictable lovelorn ballads-with-beats. Vocalist Jessie Ware provides a foil for Brien to bounce off on Aaliyah, while fellow Londoner Sampha injects a soulful poise and playfulness with the co-written and produced standout track Play. Given that it's so uplifting and inventive, you can't help thinking that an extended collaboration would have made for a less routine album. katybofficial.com
Download: Everything, Play