Natasha Watts - 2nd Time Around (2016)

The dreaded sophomore jinx has hit many an artist over the years and not just soul & R&B acts but pop acts too. I guess two of the most prominent albums in the genres I love of the sophomore jinx would be D’Angelo & Maxwell’s second outings. Thankfully there is no sign of it here on the second album from Natasha Watts...Lets start off with the monsters from yours truly’s point of view…first the midbeat, dancefloor loving, positive message sending anthem, “Love Who You Are”. This stunning vocalised / produced track is as good as anything Natasha has ever put in these hands. The sublime, oh so radio friendly “Breath” is stunning, it lives up to its lyrics as it literally takes your breath away and will no doubt be challenging for my tune of the year. Another track that lives up to its title is “Insatiable”, I dare you not to fall in luuuurve with this track featuring another of our finest UK talents, Omar, as guest on vocals. The dreamy, moody, classy swayer “Lonely” sends shivers down this spine that’s for sure, it is pure class, vocally, lyrically and production wise.The retro sounding upbeat stunner “Make It” could well give the amazingly talented Natasha Watts that big cross over track that she so rightfully deserves. Add to these, two singles that I have already waxed lyrical over “Let Go” and “Hit The Spot” in these very here pages, plus a role-call of production that includes Cool Million, Richard Earnshaw, Dan Goldman and you will probably will be guessing what is coming next.Early as it may be, this is seriously going to be a contender for my album year, as was Natasha’s stunning debut album. For sure, people are going to ask if it is as good as, or better than her debut album, some people may well pick one over the other. But for me, it would be like someone asking you to pick what one you loved most out of your two children - its impossible - you love them both just as much, but maybe for different reasons.Only time will tell if “Second Time Around” outsells its predecessor…but all I know is, Natasha has given it every chance to do so. And at this rate I hope we have third, fourth, fifth, sixth - even “Sixtieth Time Around” where this talented lady is concerned.