Little Boots - Working Girl

Little Boots
Working Girl
2015

Creating a glossy shine and music that can make it's way easily into the club has never been an issue for Little Boots, in fact it was probably her biggest strengthen. That is why this concept album Working Girl was a bit of a risk for her. In it she attempts to capture the idea of a working woman possibly in the 1980s and all the struggles that come through her life. Actual work, seeking appreciation, wanting to be empowered and still wanting love all come through and themes on these tracks which also keep her signature dance style. The use of 80s style synths on this record are a perfect way of pulling the decade into today. There is zero kitch on this album but it still has a sense that the subject matter it is encapsulating does have some levity to it. "Heroine" a veiled allusion to the actual drug as well as a relationship is a finely crafted dance track that still has a great deal of heart and inspires more than moves on the dance floor.

As an album Working Girl blends together quite successfully despite a few interludes meant to ground the record in office life. The on hold aspect of the interludes is interesting way to ground the album back into the working girl theme, but it does take away from a flow that is otherwise damn near impeccable. The sound rises and falls throughout the record creating really interesting peaks and valleys that take the listener on some really cool journeys. It is quite easy to get lost in the beautiful sound that Little Boots creates that it takes you away from the interesting story she is attempting to tell. That is not necessarily a bad thing it just makes the concept a little less front forward and allows the music to exist and breathe in it's own space. Working Girl is not only great as a concept record it also makes perfect sense and works outside of the concept, making it just a really good album. With music this good I really hope Little Boots doesn't quit her day job.

8.7 out of 10