Seinabo Sey

Seinabo Sey has continued to break new ground with her second studio album, I’m a Dream. It follows 2015’s Pretend, and pushes the Swedish-Gambian powerhouse vocalist and songwriter further on the upwards trajectory established after her gigantic first single “Younger” spread a declarative message to listeners around the world in 2013: ‘go on, don’t wait – follow your dreams.’

The track’s powerful statement about believing in yourself has gone on to set the tone for the empowering yet intimate music displayed on I’m a Dream, where Sey spans genres while confronting societal norms around self-confidence, body image and the complicated tangle of relationships. As ever, she imbues the crystalline storytelling of pop with elements of 60s soul, bassy R&B as on opener “I Love You” and “My Eye” and timeless gospel-like vocal arrangements on “Hold Me As I Land.”

No subject is too delicate to explore. She grieves her late father – musician Maudo Sey – over clipped 80s drum machines on the heartfelt “Never Get Used To.” Handclaps, thumping bass and a soaring chorus on upcoming single “Good In You” capture the dizziness of early infatuation. “Truth,” one of her favourites, praises understanding your instincts and opens with voice note-like closeness.

The video for “I Owe You Nothing” was chosen by Pitchfork as one of March 2018’s best, filmed in Gambia, along with those for the album’s other singles: Jacob Banks-featuring ballad “Remember” and strings-laced bold anthem “Breathe.”