(Pop, Soul, Indie) Eliza Doolittle - In Your Hands - 2013, MP3, 320 kbps

When Eliza Doolittle first performed a handful of songs from her second studio album at a London gig this summer, she assured fans that things were 'different this time', suggesting she wasn't entirely happy with the jaunty jazz-pop sound of her 2010 debut that spawned one hit in the form of the irritatingly catchy 'Pack Up'. Now 25 and with a been-and-gone romance with Good Charlotte's Benji Madden under her belt, she's returned with what is essentially her coming of age record.
That said, In Your Hands is not a break-up album a la Adele or Amy Winehouse, but more a recollection of experiences that come with being in a serious relationship. "It's perfect 'cause it's imperfect," she insists on opener 'Waste Of Time', a song that immediately sets the tone of the record as one of contrary love songs set to the tune of sparse and low-key production courtesy of Paloma Faith hitmaker Steve Robinson.
In the case of standout track 'No Man Can' - an uplifting ballad about falling in love - it works brilliantly; even if it is the sort of song you'd imagine Beyoncé destroying if horns and hand claps were dialled up a few extra notches. Meanwhile, the wistful 'Walking On Water' is another example of how the drastic make-under of her sound and image has worked for the better; her sometimes raspy vocal given space to shine.
However, there's not quite enough lyrical substance here to make for a compelling listen. 'Make Up Sex' just about raises an eyebrow given it's come from the granddaughter of Sylvia Young and a former stage schooler, but all too often she slips into MOR soul-pop, adding little new - musically or otherwise - to the table. It seems in an effort to be taken seriously, Eliza has forgotten to have any fun.