POPNOTPOP by Rookes: Album Review

by Damien Reid November 15, 2022

November 15, 2022

POPNOTPOP by Rookes: Album Review

POPNOTPOP is a creative outlet from the talented Birmingham-based singer-songwriter Rookes. She exposes her pop talents in a fun-filled LP, showcasing her wide vocal range which evokes melodic and soulful inspirations from Radiohead to Chvrches, Bloc Party, Skrillex, and M83.

Highlighting the two prominent singles “Paint” and “Consent” as well as the completely fresh song and album opener “Sweat,” Rookes delivers her most powerful creative statement to date on POPNOTPOP. The album also opens with the title track. POPNOTPOP is an immaculate and ground-breaking reduction of appealing experimental pop music that is wrapped in perfect production and crowned with her enthralling vocal performance. This serves to confirm the buzz that has been surrounding the UK hit. One key takeaway I got from upon listening to her album; when a solo artist is out and about, committed to their craft into making her independent release a success, they’re going to absolutely excel it and it is proof of a strong portfolio for a future career.

In the artist’s own words, here’s what the album is all about – “I’m singing about kink, misogyny, domestic violence, being in love with poor mental health, isolation, escape, societal wealth, and queer sex.” She certainly has all that packed into one single album! After pouring all of her energy and honesty for two, nearly three years, Rookes has finally graced us with her music. The result is a groundbreaking album that you’re going to need to tackle those Monday Blues. So get yourself at the edge of your seat for POPNOTPOP.