Three years after the release of her Mercury Prize-nominated album Prioritise Pleasure, Self Esteem returns with her highly anticipated third record, A Complicated Woman. But the Sheffield-born artist hasn’t been idle in the meantime. Following the conclusion of her Prioritise Pleasure era, she made a striking West End debut as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, collaborated with Moonchild Sanelly on a new track, and took on a starring role in the Sky series Smothered.
As if a new album wasn’t exciting enough, ahead of its release, Self Esteem teamed up with director Tom Scutt to bring A Complicated Woman to the West End stage – a bold live show that shared its name with the upcoming record. She was joined by a chorus of female vocalists, whose presence is felt throughout the album. Their voices take centre stage on the opening track, ‘I Do and I Don’t Care’ where layered harmonies repeat the title in a haunting mantra before Rebecca steps in with a powerful spoken-word delivery, echoing the style of her breakout hit ‘I Do This All The Time’.
At its core, A Complicated Woman is about taking back control – a theme that comes into sharp focus on the album’s powerful lead single, ‘Focus is Power’. The track stuns from the outset: a graceful, slow-building ballad underscored by gentle piano and enriched by a choir of predominantly female voices. As it unfolds, confidence and determination rise to the surface, reaching a spine-tingling crescendo in a raw, a cappella moment that lingers long after the final note. In a bold display of Rebecca’s versatility, ‘Mother’ bursts forth with an irresistible beat and cheeky confidence that instantly grabs attention. With whispered vocals that playfully chastise a love interest while asserting independence, the wry, house-infused track has fast become a fan favourite, stealing the spotlight during her 2023 live performances.
With a shift to a softer rhythm, ‘The Curse’ unfolds like a quiet confession, exploring Rebecca’s complicated relationship with alcohol. The track’s serene sound contrasts with the depth of its message, highlighted by the powerful line: “Whether I’m sober or drunk, it’s still me in the middle of the problem.” It’s a moment of raw self-awareness, wrapped in a gentle, melancholic haze. Written about her ex-girlfriend, the introspective and string-laden ‘Logic, Bitch!’ explores the enduring presence of certain people in our lives – those who will always hold an irreplaceable place in the heart. There’s a raw vulnerability in Rebecca’s soft, delicate vocals, capturing the quiet acceptance at the song’s core.
The most upbeat moment on the album, ‘Cheers To Me’ is a full-blown anthem. Rebecca has a knack for writing lyrics that are not only clever but deeply relatable – and when she raises a toast to “each and every fucker that made me this way,” it’s impossible not to sing along. With its infectious energy, this track feels destined to be the song of the summer. Set to be massive live, ‘Cheers To Me’ is a tough act to follow – but ‘If Not Now, It’s Soon’, the album’s latest single, rises to the challenge with ease. Like each of its predecessors, it pushes boundaries, seamlessly blending bold pop production with sweeping synths and intricate electronic textures. A raw, personal reflection on Rebecca’s pre-fame years, marked by excess and self-destruction, the song delves into the complexities of self-worth, with Rebecca confronting the way she treated herself during that tumultuous time. Describing it as an exploration of perseverance and patience, she enlisted the legendary Julie Hesmondhalgh from Lancaster to add a powerful touch, delivering the poignant line: “Something will happen because it has to – it’s not just perseverance we need, it’s patience.”
Opening with gentle acoustic guitar plucks, ‘In Plain Sight’ is a striking and unexpected moment. Since her days in Slow Club, Rebecca has carved out a distinct sonic identity – one she continues to evolve and experiment with. This track stands as a testament to that evolution. In stark contrast to Rebecca’s calm, measured vocals, Moonchild Sanelly delivers a powerful spoken-word passage, confronting the disproportionate criticism women face when they dare to speak up in public. It’s a bold, thought-provoking highlight of the album.
‘Lies’ is yet another standout collaboration, this time with Nadine Shah. Serving as a perfect follow-up to ‘In Plain Sight’, the track features a melody with a distinct Bollywood-inspired flair. Rebecca and Nadine share the vocals, with Nadine’s voice beautifully digitally distorted, adding an intriguing layer to the song’s dynamic sound. The song culminates in suggestive, sensual sounds, creating a perfect segue into the next song, ‘69’. Taking Rebecca’s defiance to the next level, ‘69’ sees her tear down the outdated stigma that women shouldn’t speak openly about sex. With fearless, unfiltered lyrics, she boldly reclaims her power, sparking much-needed conversations about female desire and empowerment. Musically, it’s the perfect partner to ‘Mother’ – both a club anthem and an electrifying floor filler, with a driving, irresistible beat that pulses with unapologetic energy.
In a moment that draws from her West End experience, the penultimate track, ‘What Now’, strips away all instrumentation, leaving only a choir of harmonising voices. Their ethereal, unified sound imbues the song with a deep sense of community and connection – echoing the powerful, collective energy that defines Self Esteem’s live performances. This effect is amplified by the fact that the harmonies are provided by a carefully chosen group of Rebecca’s closest friends, including the beloved members of her band. While much of the album delves into struggle – whether it’s navigating relationships or confronting the challenges of being a woman in today’s world – the emotionally nuanced closing track, ‘The Deep Blue Okay’, offers a poignant acceptance of life’s grey areas. Accompanied by uplifting piano, it captures a quiet inner strength, embracing uncertainty not as fear, but as a wellspring of resilience.
With A Complicated Woman, Self Esteem proves once again that nobody else is doing what she’s doing right now – and perhaps nobody ever has. Since stepping out as a solo artist, Rebecca has carved out a space that’s entirely her own: bold, honest, theatrical, and unapologetically feminist. As ever, she isn’t just making music she’s making a statement.
A Complicated Woman is out on 25th April 2025 via Polydor Records. Self Esteem embarks on a UK and Ireland tour in September.
