The Aussies have been gearing up for one of the most anticipated pop albums of the year, and the moment has finally arrived: Ricki-Lee, in a 
former life known as Ricki-Lee Coulter said goodbye to the music industry for a few years, but returned at the end of last year with a massive bang (Remember her catchy pop track ‘Raining Diamonds’?). Not only did she come back, looking like the twin sister of British royalty Kate Middleton but she promised to come back with an incredible sound and a new album called ‘Fear & Freedom’.
If Ricki-Lee already wowed the Australian audience during her Idols performance years ago in the second season of the Australian talent show, her new album ‘Fear & Freedom’ shows that the young singer, might just give Kylie a run for her money and finally allow her to claim the title of Australia’s new pop queen. Ricki-Lee’s singles ‘Do It Like That, which takes her in a way back to her ‘Sex and the City ‘ track ‘ U Wanna Little of This’ (a world wide chart success) and the ultra modern ‘Crazy’ (Drum & Bass in a juicy dance jacket is so cool) already proved why the new album was destined to be so popular.
But it’s the story behind ‘Fear & Freedom’ which really shows why this is such a strong album. “The album is all about unleashing your inner strength, rising above all the things that ever held you back and being free to do whatever you want to do in life…the power is in your hands…you just have to realise it and take control of it. So the cover has that really epic, empowered and almost superhero-esque feeling about it and I’m so in love with it!” Ricki said about the album + artwork. And that’s exaclty what this album is about. Don’t expect any ballads, because this is one album full of dance floor anthems; Opening track ‘Human’ sets the tone beautifully with a melody similar to Swedish songstress Agnes (Release Me), while ‘Burn it Down’ is an uplifting electro pop song, showcasing the amazing pair of lungs this young lady has.
One of the absolute highlights however is towards the end of the album. Jus when you think Ricki-Lee can’t amaze you anymore, she’s going the extra mile in the darker trance-inspired track ‘World Dissapears’. It’s darker, but its beats and catchiness are screaming global hit! This is not only screaming for a single release but if her record company plays it clever and would consider to share the Australian pop queen with the rest of the world, this is the track which could go all the way.
All in all, the wait for Ricki-Lee’s album has been well worth the wait. Presenting a collection of ten uptempo, but most of all uplifting tracks, Ricki-Lee has delivered a faultless, refreshing new pop album which should earn her without a doubt the title of Australia’s Pop Queen. Hail Ricki-Lee!
‘Fear & Freedom’ the album by Ricki-Lee, is out now in Australia and New Zealand only via iTunes. Check out the video of Ricki-Lee’s latest single ‘Crazy’ below:
