Real Life

Real Life marks Emeli Sandé's third studio outing and represents a deliberate shift toward a more organic, soul-centric sound following the experimental leanings of Long Live the Angels. Recorded following a period of personal self-discovery, the album was largely produced by Troy Miller and features a heavy emphasis on live musicianship and the Kingdom Choir. Sonically, it bridges the gap between 1970s soul-pop and contemporary British R&B, utilizing orchestral flourishes and gospel harmonies to create a 'stadium-soul' aesthetic. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the album's unwavering commitment to uplifting themes and its departure from the darker, more melancholic tones of her previous work. While it retains her signature piano-led balladry, tracks like 'Extraordinary Being' introduce a funkier, more rhythmic energy to her catalog. The album stands as a testament to her vocal prowess, positioning her as a modern successor to the lineage of Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone within a polished, 21st-century UK context.