Lorely Rodriguez is Empress Of, and Us is the LA-based artist's second full-length. After Me, a deeply personal debut that dropped in 2015, she aims to "facilitate a more equal exchange of energy between herself and her listeners, to create a "community." Singing both in English and Spanish, Rodriguez shares different experiences of the heart, and the intention, rather being self confessional like her previous work, is to the listeners to see "a bit of themselves in every song." The electronic production, handled by DJDS, Pional, and Rodriguez herself, helps deliver the message effectively, employing accessible melodies, danceable rhythms, and bright pop sheen. There is a sense of optimism and romanticism running through the 10-tracker, and Empress Of's slightly quirky vocal performance makes for a easy, breezy listen. Check out "Timberlands," "When I'm With Him," "Everything to Me" featuring Blood Orange, and "I Don't Even Smoke Weed."

• music label: Terrible Records 2018

reviewed by singing in japanese 11/18