On Late Night Feelings, Ronson has enlisted a prolific cast of vocalists/songwriters – all female, notably – to helm the mic.
In 2015, Uptown Special became a phenomenon namely because of the aforementioned, inescapable song of the summer. But it was a noticeably masculine record, with no female vocalists credited anywhere in the track listing. Fast forward four years, and let’s just say diversifying looks good on Ronson.
There is definitely no ‘Uptown Funk’ on here – the closest you’ll get is the wonderful, Miley-led ‘Nothing Breaks Like a Heart’ – and that’s quite alright. Rather than being overshadowed by a hit, all of these talented women get a turn to shine. Even better, it’s the less-familiar names that shine brightest. Lykke Li, Angel Olsen and Ilsey’s tunes completely steal the show from say, Camila Cabello and Alicia Keys’. Having them recognised in such a mainstream fashion is encouraging to say the least, and they help add an element that’s lacking in most modern pop music: heart.
When you’re as talented as Ronson is, you don’t have to make a record like this. He did, and it succeeds with flying colors because of who he chose to make it with. Sorry, Bruno. This one’s for the girls.
Words by TJ Foster
