★★★★

Taylor Upsahl aka. UPSAHL has already crafted some of the finest pop singles of the past year with writing credits for the likes of Dua Lipa, Madison Beer, Anne Marie and Little Mix to name a few. Not just a talented writer, however, she’s also a pop star in her own right. With two excellent EPs behind her, she’s releasing her debut album ‘Lady Jesus’ a short and sweet package that cements her as one of the most exciting new voices on the Pop scene. 

Most striking about the albeit brief project is the way in which UPSAHL has established a distinctive sound of her own, no easy task in a genre that is packed full of voices competing for space. Confidence, empowering and catchy Pop is the ethos of the record. Opening track ‘Douchebag’ lays the foundations, it’s brash and nonchalant in the best way. The musical equivalent of a middle finger, making it immediately apparent to the listener that UPSAHL not letting anyone mess her around. 

The album is bursting with fantastic moments. There’s a maturity and relatability to the stories UPSAHL weaves. I don’t think there is anyone who can write a better hook or blend into a bridge at the moment, a prime example being the melancholic bop of ‘Time of My Life’ and one of my personal favourites singles of the year ‘Thriving’ with its compelling chorus, brilliant bridge and underlying guitar riff that propels the track forward. Whilst ‘Notorious’ and ‘Sunny D’ blend UPSAHL’s bravado Pop with the distortions of Trap and Hip-Hop, it’s a dark and smouldering highlight on the record. 

Whilst comparisons can be made to the likes of Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish, I feel UPSHAL’s sound better fits into the alternative realms occupied by Tove Lo, noticeably the brilliant ‘Lunatic’ with the pair sharing lyrical themes of embracing female empowerment, sensuality and the occasional reference to drugs and wild parties. 

‘Lady Jesus’ is a strong opening project from UPSAHL. There’s a singular vision in the cohesive project full of empowering Pop and brimming with a sense of bravado. To its detriment, it feels slightly too on the short side and I would love to have seen a couple of softer tracks that better showcase the range of her stellar vocals. Nevertheless, this is a great and unapologetic introduction to the future of Pop.