Pop-grime muppet Lady Sovereign is back with her second album after a few years away and out of the limelight. Off of Def Jam, Sov may have decided that she no longer wants to conquer America (though she’s on tour in May, and to be honest she may have never wanted to in the first place; I think it was all Jay-Z’s idea. Never a good idea to try and conquer America, just ask Damon Albarn). Recent interviews have found her in a reflective and self-critical mood — she’s all grown up! Well, maybe not. 
Jigsaw is out on her own imprint, Midget Records (get it?), which she’s apparently running out of her bedroom, with a bit of help from EMI. The record’s got some of what you’d expect of a pop record in 2009 — bouncy beats and digital sounds that bop along nicely. But the production is a little more complex and grimey, as are the lyrics. “Let’s be Mates” starts things off amusingly enough, while “So Human” showcases the gentler side of Sov, and even has her singing! The tune is from the Cure and that may be one reason why this is the best track on the album. But Sov’s lyrics are great too; she shows an endearing vulnerability that goes nicely with the slightly sad synth, and the feeling-bad-sometimes-is-OK sentiment is easy to relate to and refreshingly different on an album like this.
“Jigsaw” continues the openness, a song about the complexities that can lead to bad decisions that don’t necessarily come from bad intent (this is from Lady Sovereign!). Surprises continue on “Pennies” where she raps about saving all the money she’s making and how she won’t go down during the recession, while “Food Play” finds her in a more lascivious mood, rapping about food and getting… dirty. Well, she is a 23 year old woman; the ponytail’s gone, so why not? Don’t be too put-off though — Sov’s sexy song comes across a bit like a Flight of the Conchords’ one, unless you share her fantasies of being covered in porridge — then it’s business time.
Not a flash-in-the-pan then, this Lady. She might not be a millions-selling star in the US as Def Jam or the majors would’ve liked, but the album has unexpected depth, and Sov hasn’t abandoned her UK dance and grime roots to achieve that. Growing up, but setting her own agenda, and perhaps coming out with the first recession-era rap. Not bad really.
Tracklisting:
01. Let’s Be Mates
02. So Human
03. Jigsaw
04. Bang Bang
05. I Got You Dancing
06. Pennies
07. Guitar
08. Student Union
09. Food Play
10. I Got the Goods
Lady Sovereign: website | myspace
