Personal, political and rooted in the turmoil of growing up in a society that so often feels fractured, Joy Crookes’ debut ‘Skin’ is a collection of Neo-Soul cuts with impressive depth. Superficial parallels to Amy Winehouse aside, Crookes’ rich Soul vocals drive proceedings as she weaves stories of life, love and confusion with a grand but effortless style. Crookes’ palette is broad where ‘Trouble’ draws on a light Dancehall vibe, ‘Poison’ features a repeating bridge where she sings a world less, melodic beat that calls to mind Folk Pop as much as it does Jazz or Soul. Album highlight, ‘Kingdom’, is an eloquent state of the nation address that finds Crookes shaking her head in disbelief at the political swing to the right, while still finding the drive to call for collective momentum towards a better future. As with the best debuts, ‘Skin’ not only delivers but promises a bright future for Joy Crookes.