For the first single off her eagerly awaited 3rd album, Sophie Barker has left behind the fragile self-reflection of her previous records and emerged with a confident, sexy strut.
The result is ‘I Do it to Myself’ – an upbeat, soulful and strong pop song, with an empowering message wrapped in an 80’s groove. Perhaps best known as one of the trio of original Zero 7 singers, alongside Sia and Mozez, ‘I Do it to Myself’ finds Sophie Barker comfortable in her own skin and prepared to be adventurous and have some fun. The voice, the sensual soaring voice, is still very much in evidence but with a newly discovered power, a resolute edge to her range.
Little Thoughts chills things out for a more reflective mood on his mellow house mix, a solid 4/4 kick/clap combo directing the ‘floor, while a xylophone melody, mournful string, snatches of vocal and light percussive touches keep the atmosphere warm.
D.A.L.I. sexes things up a touch more on her deeper house rub, stripping back the vocal and dropping the tempo but raising the energy via the beats and bass, a hypnotic keyboard refrain and moody string section rounding off the drama for a rousing finish that’s equal parts Kate Bush and LFO.
The original song was co-written with Kevin Kerrigan, produced by Alex Pilkington and mixed by Bruno Ellingham.
1. I Do it to Myself
2. I Do it to Myself (Little Thoughts Remix)
3. I Do it to Myself (D.A.L.I. Remix)