8/10

Prior to the release of her debut album 'Unguarded' in 2015, Rae Morris was one of the most in-demand artists of the time. She found herself within a bidding war with major labels all keen to sign her up, eventually winning out with Atlantic Records, and producing a top ten full-length shortly afterwards. But while her follow-up LP 'Someone Out There' was still very much critically-praised, her sales had suffered somewhat, leading to Atlantic eventually letting her go. But now on RCA, she is looking to do things her way once again as she returns with her third full-length 'Rachel@Fairyland', a record that feels more honest and expressive.

When you listen to her earlier work, you can definitely make out the label influence within her sound as she clearly looked to provoke some kind of commercial pop appeal. But when it comes to 'Rachel@Fairyland', she has this far more atmospheric and baroque approach to her direction, giving this new release a feel of instant rebirth. Becoming a mother for the first time since her last collection has also opened herself up to new and exciting possibilities as we get to experience a far more engaged and passionate Rae Morris at the helm this time around.

Rae Morris has always stood out as a shining light on the mainstream pop scene, but 'Rachel@Fairyland' sees her grow into something more than just another name in the crowd. She has developed this wonderfully enigmatic texture to her aesthetic, and returned with a renewed and inventive spirit throughout.