British-Albanian pop artist Rita Ora shines on “Velvet Rope,” the seventh advanced single appearing on her long-awaited sophomore album, ‘Phoenix.’  

“Don’t you remember me, darling? / When you lay down to sleep, do you still think of me? / ‘Cause I remember you, darling / Without the sadness in your eyes / Now the champagne’s running dry.” Sigh, up until this point, Rita Ora has had an inconsistent career.  While she’s appeared on numerous singles as a very strong collaborator, as a solo artist, she’s yet to achieve the notoriety that she should.  After being in the business for a while, 2018 sees Ora finally release her sophomore album, Phoenix (Ora, her debut album, was released in 2012).  That said, she initially promoted the project with the miscalculated bi-anthem “Girls”, which drew its fair share of criticism from Hayley Kiyoko, Kehlani, and others. All told, since “Girls,” Ora has released seven singles in advance of the album’s release! That includes the final pre-release, “Velvet Rope.”

Phoenix has had a low-key, so-so roll out, sadly in line with the up-and-down career Rita Ora.  That said, Ora definitely ends the promo campaign on a ‘high note’ with “Velvet Rope.” As always, she sounds great – her voice has NEVER been a weakness.  She showcases a beautiful tone, filled with nuance, and backed by gorgeous backing vocals (“do-do-do-do-do-do-do”) and a lovely, soulful, urban-pop backdrop, led by a robust bass line, piano, and claps.  Horns join the mix on the second verse, further amplifying the soulfulness.  The form of the song is perfect, keeping things traditional with two verses, two pre-choruses, three choruses, and a bridge.  The afore-excerpted pre-chorus, and the chorus (below) are among the best part the record.

“I heard that you been living it up, living it up

Where did I go wrong?

Only yesterday, you were beside me, -side me

Now I’m just another one

You’re the one who’s giving it up, giving it up

Singing that same song

You’re the only one I want beside me, -side me

Now I’m just another one (ooh).”

Final Thoughts

Give Rita Ora props on “Velvet Rope” – she totally nails it.  High-flying vocals, stellar production, and memorable songwriting make this a great record.  Does this help her turn the corner from being underrated pop artist to superstar? Probably not, but, it’s a step in the right direction.

Rita Ora » Phoenix » Atlantic UK » Release: 11.23.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic UK