Cover property of Island Records

The British girl group FLO has finally released their debut album. The album was released on November 15th, 2024. The album features artists like Cynthia Erivo and Glorilla. While still sticking to their early 2000s R&B sound they’re known for, the trio also takes a moment to experiment on songs like Nocturnal and I’m Just A Girl.

Intro

The first track of FLO’s album starts with a narration from Cynthia Erivo. After being introduced, the trio sings about their self-growth and tells listeners to listen to the album from the beginning to the end. The production takes on a classic R&B melody, accompanied by instruments such as a triangle, a harp, drums, and much more.

AAA

AAA is the first promotional song on the album and the second track. The track plays on the idea of exclusivity and only granting “access” to those who are worthy, particularly in a relationship context. While still maintaining an R&B melody, the song’s production is theatrical. The group employs trumpets and orchestral instruments to do this.

In My Bag

In My Bag is the last single released on the album and third track. With the help of rapper Glorilla, the trio tells a story of independence and self-confidence. Throughout the song, the lyric “When you see me you know I’m in my bag,” repeats multiple times. By this, they mean they’re successfully making money.

Walk Like This

Walk Like This is the first single and fourth track on the album. Released on March 8th, 2024, the song has a heavy bassline and the production has a confident, sassy tone. While still acknowledging their independence, the girls explain that being in a loving relationship has given them even more confidence.

How Does It Feel?

How Does It Feel is the fifth track on Access All Areas. The song starts slow before dropping into an upbeat and smooth chorus. Continuing the air of confidence, the production incorporates a heavy bassline and claps to convey that feeling. The song effortlessly transitions into the next track Soft when it ends with the lyric “How Does It Feel?” and the answer to that is the title of the next song, “Soft”.

Soft

Soft is the sixth track on the album. It sounds exactly like the title. The melodies of this song are soft, velvety, and effortless. The trio uses strings and synths to aid them in creating the Soft sound they’re looking for. On this track, FLO delves into the delicate balance of maintaining strength while still being able to show softer emotions.

Check

Check is the third single and seventh track on FLO’s album. Released on August 2nd, 2024, FLO opts for a more upbeat sound. With fast-paced drums, the production fuses pop and R&B. They explain that they trust their partner so much that they don’t need to check if he’s loyal, faithful, a gentleman, etc. because they trust their partner that much.

On & On

On & On is the eighth track on the album. The production of this track is dreamy, comforting, and smooth. The song is a celebration of the journey toward personal growth and success. Putting it simply, the grind never stops. 

Bending My Rules

Bending My Rules is the second promotional single and ninth track on “Access All Areas”. The production once again turns to a classic, slow R&B melody. With smooth vocals and a little guitar, the song gives off a sentimental vibe. Essentially, the trio tells the listener that they don’t usually let themselves want a partner but this specific person is “bending their rules”.

Trustworthy (Interlude)

Trustworthy (Interlude) is the tenth track on the album. The lyrics show a vulnerability that the listener has yet to hear. “Say you trust my love, love. And I will trust your love, love.” This interlude is used as a way to transition into the next song, “Caught Up”. 

Caught Up

Caught Up is the second single and eleventh track on FLO’s album. This track is about the trio finding out about their partner’s infidelity. The production takes on an early 2000s sound again with a melodic guitar and heavy.

IWH2BMX

IWH2BMX is the twelfth track on Access All Areas. This track is a hype song for the girls. They explain they would hate to be their ex because their faces will be everywhere their ex will be. It also is a song that showcases the group’s success. 

Nocturnal

Nocturnal is the thirteenth track on the album. This production sounds similar to Aaliyah’s iconic sound. The beat is loud, majestic, and cinematic. This song also touches on how haters don’t effect their success and they continue to put their name out there.

Shoulda Woulda Coulda

Shoulda Woulda Coulda is the fourteenth track on FLO’s album. On this track, the trio tells listener about an unstable relationship where a person was being playing. The production mimics the unstable relationship with a drum beat that isn’t exactly on tempo.

Get It Till I’m Gone

Get It Till I’m Gone is the fifteenth track on the album. This track is fun, dark, and has rap influences. The beat incorporates drill with a heavy bassline. On this song, the girls explain that their partner isn’t going to get why they were in love until they gone and their partner regrets it.

I’m Just A Girl

I’m Just A Girl is the final track on “Access All Areas”. The production uses an electric guitar to tell FLO’s story of their challenges in the music industry. Lyrics that standout are, “How many Black girls do you see on centre stage now? Yet you wonder why we going to the States now.” The song is a way for them to tell the audience the struggles they’ve had as black girls in the industry and why they cater to a certain audience.

Overall, I would highly recommend checking out this album. The trio perfectly executed their debut album as if this was their fourth of fifth album. I’ve had the album on repeat since it was released, that’s just how good it is. A vinyl or CD of this album would also be a good Christmas gift.