Conceiving a follow up to her 2021 record ‘Therapy’, which hit number two in the UK charts and set up a jump to headlining arenas, was always going to be a challenge for Anne-Marie. Following a promising start, ‘Unhealthy’ proves precisely how difficult the task was.
Sucks To Be You is a 43 second introduction that packs a punch, sounding just like a Melanie Martinez belter in the process. “This could be us but you playin’ / And messin’ round then gettin’ wasted / While I am home alone waitin’ for you,” Anne-Marie croons over a vintage alt-pop beat.
Hot on its heels, Sad B!tch is the first real highlight, paving the way for a run of songs fuelled by self-confidence and happiness, foregrounding Anne-Marie’s ability to move on from a broken romantic relationship in her life.
The acoustic-led Trainwreck is another major highlight thanks to its synth-heavy, infectious hook, while Obsessed pulls off a rare feat by successfully incorporating a reworking of I’d Do Anything from Oliver!.
There is some obvious versatility here, too. Kills Me To Love You pushes Anne-Marie’s vocal boundaries with a rap cadence in its chorus, and on the title number she riffs on early Miley Cyrus alongside an appearance from country royalty Shania Twain.
But that’s where the fun ends. The LP’s lead single Psycho, featuring rapper Aitch, feels played out after almost a year in circulation and, occupying some prime real estate at track three, it is the first real disappointment here, its chorus just as bothersome as it was last autumn.
The third chunk of the album is mostly uninspiring, recycling styles that have previously worked. Irish Goodbye is a low grade Ariana Grande rip, while the Khalid collab You & I and Never Loved Anyone Before are both bore-fests from start to finish. They’re still a notch above Better Off, which is infuriating thanks to troublesome alarm sounds that blare ferociously. The overall effect is disheartening. ‘Unhealthy’ contains a sprinkling of sensational work, but the rest of the album trails in its wake.
Anne Marie Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Sat August 05 2023 - CORK Mitchelstown
Mon November 20 2023 - CARDIFF CIA
Tue November 21 2023 - BRIGHTON Centre
Thu November 23 2023 - DUBLIN 3Arena
Sat November 25 2023 - BIRMINGHAM Utilita Arena
Sun November 26 2023 - MANCHESTER AO Arena
Wed November 29 2023 - LONDON O2 Arena
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