Alice Manning
Having released three EPs (2018’s Influence, which was followed by Reminiscence and Perception in 2019) and been shortlisted for the BBC’s Sound of 2020, Joy Crookes’ arrival into the mainstream with debut album Skin has been long awaited by fans.
Crookes’ first full-length record, the album is inflected with the thematic possibilities evoked by the title: “skin” in that the album is not only physical, but also emotional and political. Crookes mythologizes the world of her upbringing with ease and grace and doesn’t shy away from tackling the bigger issues.
The songs, written over a period of several years, depict an artist’s coming of age and delve into everything from personal relationships to collective trauma. “Power”, one of Crookes’ early singles, has been re-recorded for her debut album and this version carries more heft, with its almost glacial pace and understated ending serving to bring Crookes’ point across more efficiently. Meanwhile, punchy tracks like “Trouble” or “Kingdom” lose none of the shine of Crookes’ earlier output, but bring the cohesive and polished production that was perhaps lacking in previous projects.
Skin ranges from showcasing Crookes at her most emotionally vulnerable, such as during the gentle, embellished vocals of “Unlearn You”, to portraying the vibrance and beauty of the South London Crookes grew up in; in “When You Were Mine”, the chorus and instrumentals paint the image of a former lover finding happiness, ‘smil[ing] with a Brixton shine’. Indeed, the album revolves around Crookes’ mixed heritage, and how her roots have influenced her music. The playful video for “Trouble” sees Crookes, clad in an armoured sari, turn wordplay into swordplay, fending off the unwanted opinions of a crusty relative in a medieval jousting sequence.
Perfect for rainy autumn evenings in the city, the songs exhibit the best of Crookes’ talent, while demonstrating her ability to create evocative lyrics that belie her young years. Title track “Skin” is firmly at the heart of the album, with Crookes’ impassioned plea that ‘You’ve got a life worth living’ rounding off a relatable and emotionally charged chorus. With Crookes’ songwriting and soulful vocals, accompanied by lush strings and the jazzy harmonies of backing singers, Skin already sounds like a modern classic.
However, while Skin showcases an artist finding her musical identity, it is clear that Crookes’ career may flounder or flourish depending on how listeners view her position in the British R&B and soul canon. Some have compared Crookes to 2000s legend Amy Winehouse, and in my opinion, this does credit to her talent.
I would suggest another great singer to add to this mix; on the more emotional tracks, such as “19th Floor”, Crookes ventures into Adele territory. It was appropriate, then, that Skin should have coincided with Adele’s reemergence onto the music scene, having been released on the same day that the latter’s hit single “Easy On Me” was launched. Just as Adele is set for future successes, I have no doubt that Crookes will do the same.
Joy Crookes’ album Skin is available to stream on Spotify here.
Featured image courtesy of Drew de F Fawkes via Flickr. Image licence found here. No changes were made to this image.
Alice Manning
Alice is an English and History graduate of the University of York. She is interested in investigating the issues that matter to contemporary society through features, current affairs pieces and reviews. Away from writing, she is a keen musician and occasional baker.