Princess represents a specific, shimmering moment in British pop history where the soul tradition met the emerging digital precision of the mid-1980s. Her sound is defined by a sophisticated smoothness, characterized by breathy, impeccably layered vocals that float over tight, syncopated drum machine patterns. It is music that feels expensive and polished, yet retains a genuine emotional warmth through its R&B foundations.
What truly distinguishes her is the collaboration with the Stock Aitken Waterman production team before they pivoted to high-energy Hi-NRG pop. With Princess, the production is more restrained and soulful, utilizing lush synthesizer pads and FM synthesis to create a liquid, nocturnal atmosphere. Her delivery is never forced; she favors a cool, understated elegance that allows the melody and the groove to do the heavy lifting.
Listeners should start with her self-titled 1986 debut. It captures the definitive 'Princess sound' across hits like 'Say I'm Your Number One,' offering a masterclass in how to blend the mechanical heart of 80s technology with the human pulse of classic soul music.
Desiree Carole Heslop (born 28 November 1961), best known as Princess, is a British singer who found chart success in the mid-1980s. In the early 1980s, she worked with the Afro rock group Osibisa. She is best known for her hit single "Say I'm Your Number One" which made the UK top 10 in 1985. Three of Princess' other songs also made the UK top 40 - "After the Love Has Gone", "I'll Keep On Loving You" and "Tell Me Tomorrow". The latter was re-mixed for the soundtrack of the film Knights & Emeralds in 1986.
Shares contemporary r&b, soul, breathy, romantic (signature)
Shares contemporary r&b, sentimental, breathy, romantic (signature)
Shares contemporary r&b, soul, breathy, romantic (signature)
Shares contemporary r&b, soul, romantic, candlelit (signature)
Shares contemporary r&b, digital clarity, soul, romantic (signature)
Shares contemporary r&b, soul, romantic, dance-pop (signature)
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