ALBUM REVIEW: Self Esteem – A Complicated Woman

Polydor

25.04.25

Self Esteem‘s A Complicated Woman bears all the hallmarks of 2021’s universally acclaimed Prioritise Pleasure; uplifting vocal choruses, huge string sections and stadium-sized pop sit alongside a gamut of emotions.

Themes of vulnerability, fear and disappointment battle with anger, arousal and empowerment. The string-laden confessional spoken word opening of I Do And I Don’t Care makes for quite an opener; first single Focus Is Power affirms amid a chorus of voices: “I deserve to be here”; while Lies’ clamour of anxiety-inducing synths and an almost show-stealing vocal performance from Nadine Shah culminates in a screamed crescendo. Finale The Deep Blue OK is an intensely personal stream of thought which steadily builds momentum to erupt into a glorious string section and joyful affirmation.