Album Review: Pixie Lott- Encino
3 min read
Pixie Lott
Fifteen years ago, Pixie Lott was one of the biggest names in British pop. ‘Her debut chart topping single Mama Do provided lift off and her next two singles Boys and Girls and All About Tonight also reached number one. Add to this the 1.6 million albums sold, Pixie Lott had the pop world at her feet. However, rather than milking her talent and success, she decided to step away from the spotlight into the peace and calm of obscurity. She has been much missed over the last decade which makes her return with Encino such a relief for her fans. Though it’s a departure in both genre and style from her earlier works, Encino showcases Pixie in full creative control, and her vocals remain as powerful as ever.
Encino is, without question, Pixie Lott’s best work to date. As a co-writer on every track, she weaves a personal narrative reflecting on the last ten years of her life. Themes of romance, family, and nostalgia anchor the record, offering a deeply personal glimpse into her journey. Pixie infuses the album with her influences, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Joe Cocker, and Paul Simon, proving her seriousness as both a singer and songwriter.
The album opens with Show Your Love, a powerful introduction that sets the tone with a traditional rock band feel, immediately distinguishing this work from her earlier pop hits. The addition of a gospel-infused choir gives the song a sense of grandeur, making it a heartfelt and spectacular opener. It signals Pixie’s shift toward a more grounded, mature sound.
Reminiscences shine through in tracks like Blockbuster Video and by referencing “movie nights” and “Boris bikes,” the song captures the charm of simpler times in a bittersweet, reflective way. Lott’s lyrical growth is evident, blending humor and insight even when tackling darker themes. In Midnight Trash, she opens with the relatable line, “It’s 3:22 a.m., hello insomnia, my friend,” setting the stage for a deeper exploration of issues like harassment and cyberbullying. The song’s balance of comedic tone and emotional weight allows listeners to connect with Pixie on a personal level.
Pixie’s growth as a lyricist over the last decade is particularly apparent in tracks like Comes Back Around, which introduces unexpected country and blues influences. The song’s simplicity and heartfelt melody highlight Pixie’s newfound confidence, showing she’s no longer chasing trends but instead exploring new musical landscapes at her own pace. Meanwhile, in Coco, she cleverly uses the metaphor of her favorite fragrance to describe a lover. However, given Chanel’s controversial history during World War II, the song unintentionally evokes themes of betrayal rather than loyalty, adding a layer of complexity to what is otherwise a love song.
The standout feature of Encino is how it chronicles Pixie Lott’s evolution as both an artist and a person. It offers insight into why she’s been missed during her ten-year absence, delivering a raw and honest portrayal of her life experiences. This album represents a bold step forward for Pixie—one where she’s unafraid to show her heart and her maturity. Encino proves that she’s back, and, maybe this time, she’s here to stay.
