Rebecca Lucy Taylor, known as Self Esteem, has officially released her third studio album, titled A Complicated Woman, on April 25, 2025, through Polydor Records. This album marks a significant departure from her previous work, particularly her acclaimed second album, Prioritise Pleasure, which garnered nominations for both the BRIT and Mercury Prize. With A Complicated Woman, Taylor shifts her focus from industrial alt-pop to a sound that embraces soulful theatrics and an exploration of the complexities of womanhood.
The album opens with the spoken word piece, "I Do and I Don’t Care," which sets the tone for the entire record. In this track, Taylor reflects on the journey of modern womanhood, stating, "We’re not chasing happiness anymore, girls, we’re chasing nothing / The great big still / The deep blue okay / And we’re okay today." This affirmation resonates throughout the album, emphasizing a collective experience of navigating life's contradictions.
One of the standout tracks, "Cheers To Me," serves as a defiant middle-finger salute to unsatisfactory relationships, encapsulating the spirit of empowerment that runs through the album. Taylor’s lyrics delve into the mundane realities of aging and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it, all while maintaining a sense of humor and resilience. She captures this sentiment beautifully in her song "Focus Is Power," which acts as a motivational mantra for listeners.
In addition to her introspective songwriting, A Complicated Woman features contributions from a diverse choir of female voices, including Nadine Shah, Moonchild Sanelly, Sue Tompkins from Life Without Buildings, Meatball, and actress Julie Hesmondhalgh. This collaboration adds depth and richness to the album's sound, enhancing its theatrical quality.
Taylor recently completed a theatrical run of A Complicated Woman Live at London’s Duke Of York’s Theatre, where she performed five nights across seven shows, all of which sold out immediately upon announcement. This live performance experience reflected the album’s vibrant energy, showcasing Taylor's evolution as a performer.
As she embarks on her largest UK and Ireland tour to date, Taylor has announced a series of dates that include performances in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester, Bristol, London, Brighton, and Sheffield. The tour promises to bring the album’s themes to life, allowing fans to engage with her music in an electrifying setting.
Throughout the album, Taylor's Sheffield roots and distinctive voice shine through. She transitions from the glitterball synth bops of "Cheers To Me" to the tender, piano-backed laments found in tracks like "Logic, Bitch!" and "In Plain Sight." This variety showcases her versatility as an artist and her ability to weave personal narratives into universal themes.
The song "Mother" stands out as a poignant reflection on relationships, where she bluntly asserts her boundaries, singing, "falling asleep on my chest is your fantasy but where does that leave me? Who’s holding me?" This raw honesty resonates deeply, reflecting the complexities of love and self-care.
Another notable track, "The Curse," addresses Taylor's struggles with alcohol dependency, where she candidly admits, "I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t f***ing work / but it really works / and that’s the curse." This exploration of vulnerability and strength encapsulates the essence of A Complicated Woman, as Taylor navigates her own contradictions while inviting listeners to join her on this journey.
The album concludes with the cinematic and transcendental track, "The Deep Blue Okay," where Taylor sings, "I know way too much to ever fall in love, so I’ll roll on unmerrily." This closing sentiment encapsulates the album's overarching theme of embracing complexity and finding solace in shared experiences.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Taylor reflected on her rise to fame, stating, "If I’m so empowered, why am I such a coward?" This question underscores the album's narrative, as it grapples with the pressures of success and the expectations placed upon women in the music industry. Taylor’s candidness about her insecurities and her journey from being a member of the band Slow Club to a solo artist resonates with many, particularly those navigating similar paths.
The multifaceted sounds of A Complicated Woman offer listeners a rich tapestry of emotions, from glittering anthems to introspective ballads. The album's theatricality is evident in every track, with Taylor's voice soaring through moments of vulnerability and strength. With its empowering messages and relatable themes, A Complicated Woman invites listeners to embrace their own complexities and find connection in shared experiences.
As Taylor prepares for her upcoming tour, fans eagerly anticipate how these songs will translate to the live stage. With her unique blend of humor, heart, and honesty, Self Esteem continues to carve out a space for herself in the music industry, championing the narratives of women everywhere.
