Four years ago, Self Esteem made a significant impact on the pop music scene with her innovative second album ‘Prioritise Pleasure’. The album combined vibrant pop melodies with deep honesty, valuable life advice, and sharp wit, earning her critical acclaim and a Mercury nomination. From performances at Glastonbury to appearances on Taskmaster, Rebecca Lucy Taylor became a familiar name.
Now, she presents ‘A Complicated Woman’, a more theatrical and untamed follow-up to her previous work. Launched on the stage of The Duke Of York’s Theatre in the West End, it maintains Rebecca Lucy Taylor’s dynamic artistic momentum.
The opening track ‘I Do And I Don’t Care’ builds on the spoken-word therapy of ‘I Do This All The Time’ and introduces a powerful choral aspect that energizes both the album and its live shows. It culminates in an existential reflection as Taylor questions herself: “If I’m so empowered, why am I such a coward? / If I’m so strong, why am I broken?” The first listen of this moment can be arresting, and when experienced live, it feels as if it halts the Earth’s rotation.
‘A Complicated Woman’ showcases the full range of Self Esteem’s artistry. ‘The Curse’ is a powerful acoustic anthem with a cathartic “fuck you, my friend, fuck you,” perfect for audience singalongs. ‘Cheers To Me’ features a bright summer anthem that shines even brighter in a live setting and showcases Self Esteem’s characteristic humor (“Worked hard, but babe, it’s still true / The worst idea I had was you”).
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‘A Complicated Woman’ serves as a vital guide for contemporary womanhood; its importance feels heightened in a time when misogyny, transphobia, and hate are escalating in the UK. At moments, this is reflected in the empowering tracks ‘If Not Now, Then Soon’ and ‘Focus is Power,’ both of which provide essential anthems for navigating life’s uncertainties.
Additionally, the album playfully tackles themes of sex and gender in tracks like ‘Mother’ and ‘69’. The former is an energetic track aimed at an ex who hasn’t matured, while the latter discusses consent with concise and witty takes on various sexual positions. It’s both absurd and necessary, capturing the resilient spirit of coming together and enjoying life despite the chaos surrounding us.
‘A Complicated Woman’ transcends the typical pop album. Indeed, Self Esteem is not a conventional pop star. This album is made for live performance, thriving as a theatrical piece in London last week and poised to evolve further on festival stages and during her headlining tour later in the year. Having had the privilege of experiencing the album in such a dramatic context in London, there are moments when the recording may not fully capture its impact. Nevertheless, it is clear that Self Esteem has returned with one of the most significant albums of 2025.
8/10
Words: Vicky Greer
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Four years ago, Self Esteem revolutionized the pop scene with her pioneering second album 'Prioritise Pleasure'. Combining maximalist