Chess: ‘Babygirl’ [Review]
As a guy in his twenties, it’s pretty safe to say that I’m not in pop / r’n’b vocalist Chess’s target market. But nonetheless, I’m still a sucker for a good slice of skilled songcraft – and Babygirl is definitely an impressive demonstration of this Maltese singer’s songwriting skills.
The thing that stands out for me about this three track EP is the consistent theme of upbeat empowerment. Sure, this perspective is hardly scarce in the pop world – but it’s plainly clear from Chess’s well-trained and slickly produced delivery that she actually means it. And let’s face facts – given all the conflict and confusion we all encounter on a daily basis, the world needs as much of this kind of thing as the creative people of the world are willing to put out.
Opening track Things Take Time is a blissful, thickly layered piece of pop wisdom that offers confident encouragement and advice to its listeners. A great opening gambit followed up by the laid-back structure of Storm – all choir synths, pounding drum grooves, some sparse and tasteful guitar, and a soaring vocal reminiscent of mainstream pop diva Nicole Scherzinger. Chess (aka Francesca Galea) has vocal chops to spare, and puts them to fantastically appealing use here. Finally, the slinky downtempo drums of Breathe meld seamlessly with those choir synths and another well-mixed vocal taking on the part of lovestruck and sexually pent-up seductress. A pitch-perfect tune that brings the total package to a cliffhanger close that leaves the listener looking forward to the next Chess release.
In fact, Chess’s sophomore EP (Tuxedo) is now being funded via Kickstarter here. Check that out and get involved – it’s pretty darn obvious this girl is going places.
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