Since gaining widespread critical acclaim in 2012 with the release of her debut album, Our Version of Events, Emeli Sandé’s musical career has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has reached the pinnacle of the singles charts twice, achieved nine Top 10 hits, and her career sales have exceeded an impressive 25 million to date.

By Ruby Brown

The album kicks off with All This Love, which sees Sandé delve into the experience of grappling with intense emotions in various relationships, be they romantic or platonic, and navigating the challenge of handling these overwhelming feelings. The universality of Sandé’s lyrics, paired with the song’s catchy chorus and powerful vocal range, makes it an emotionally resonant and relatable tune – a recurring theme in Sandé’s broader body of work.

My Boy Likes To Party stands apart from the rest of the album, yet it brings a welcome and intriguing variation, showing us a different side of Sandé both on a personal and musical level. Produced by Henri Davies and Jonny Breakwell, the track reverberates with energy over a trap-influenced rhythm, as Emeli confronts her past pattern of “choosing a certain type” of partner. 

Offering a poignant glimpse into a time when Sandé found herself in the midst of rebuilding and on a quest for sanctuary, Lighthouse serves as a testament to her resilience and inner strength. Sandé’s evocative storytelling and soulful vocals shine brightly on this record, making it a compelling and emotionally charged addition to her extensive discography. 

However, the album’s title track, How Were We To Know, marks a thematic shift in the record’s direction. It offers a raw and uncut – though self-reflective and soft-hearted – perspective of a seemingly fractured, broken-down relationship, whilst showcasing the breathtaking vocal prowess that Sandé possesses. Commencing with a sublime falsetto cry, enveloped by gentle piano keys and sweeping strings, the track is undoubtedly a highlight of the album, embodying the quintessential essence of Sandé’s artistry.

Too Much showcases the vocals we’ve come to love Emeli Sandé for and serves to further amplify the album’s focus on the complexities love can bring. Nothing We Can’t Handle marks yet another turning point in the album, where we witness Sandé’s proclaimed weaknesses transform into a kind of self-discovered strength, a message that transcends into the powerful Like I Love You. This track captures Sandé at her very best, offering an upbeat yet vulnerable portrayal of a bitter-sweet relationship coming to an end. With poignant themes of unrequited love and loss, it’s a track that will undoubtedly resonate with many of Sandé’s listeners, both new and old.

There For You delivers a reflection on the enduring nature of love and human connection, with its lyrics capturing the timeless essence of caring and holding a special place in one’s heart for those we’ve shared our lives with. The song beautifully conveys the sentiment that, even in moments of frustration or distance, the love we’ve committed to in our relationships never truly fades. 

In addition to addressing the challenges of love and heartbreak, Sandé also explores themes of self-worth and personal empowerment throughout the record. True Colours is nothing short of a defiant and dazzling expression of self-love, symbolising the strength that can lie within one’s self despite the trials and tribulations that have previously dominated one’s personal life. End of Time and Love each seamlessly blend enchanting piano melodies with stunning vocals, creating a dreamy, hopeful sound that vividly reminds me of why I first fell in love with Sandé’s music.

Drawing the album to a close is Cos of You, a bonus track featured on the CD version of the record. This song serves as a beautiful and fitting ending to an album that is both inspiring, vulnerable, and deeply relatable.

While the record doesn’t adhere to a straightforward progression or depict a seamless journey towards self-love and fulfilment, it bears a resemblance to a coming-of-age moment in Sandé’s career. Each track on the album serves as a window into intimate encounters with love – both the joyous and the challenging – and ultimately solidifies Emeli Sandé’s status as a brilliant songwriter and vocalist. With its exploration of love’s many facets and the risks we all take in its pursuit, How Were We To Know takes us on an emotional journey that resonates with all who have experienced the highs and lows of romance.

The album also features a star-studded production team, from Jonny Coffer (Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus), Jim Jonsin (ASAP Rocky, Usher, Eminem), DI Genius (Drake, Raye, Sean Paul), Rxwntree, Chris Loco to Mac and Phil. Sandé will make her debut performance in support of the album at Magic Radio’s Magic at Christmas extravaganza on November 25th at the London Palladium, sharing the stage with Rick Astley, Simply Red and Texas.