7/10

When Jade Bird released her commercially and critically acclaimed self-titled debut album in 2019, it was met as a raise of the bar for the large number of singer-songwriter types emerging at the time. While it was completely devoured by the radio crowd in its early days, it still managed to strike a chord with the more contentious music fan, leading her down this narrow path of trying to please both her fans and critics simultaneously. But after very little time away from the limelight, she now returned with her sophomore LP 'Different Kinds Of Light', a record that sees her grow into her ever-evolving sound.

The main calling card of her original material was her stunning voice. This instantly recognisable lilt to her vocals quickly became the area for which her songs were built around, leading to a more humbled and sweeping collection throughout. But for her follow-up, 'Different Kinds Of Light' is more aligned with her broad and shimmering songwriting. Usually keeping the pace and drive of the record as upbeat and progressive as possible, this new release is a bold and vibrant step out of the solemn shadows and into something we can imagine filling a festival mainstage in the near future.

Just like the initial full-length, Jade Bird is very keen on separating herself from everything else going on at the moment, and 'Different Kinds Of Light' is a strong step forward for her. It may not have that same captivating vibe her debut did, but still makes for an enticing listen that sees her spread her creative wings from start to finish.