Emeli Sandé’s much-anticipated third album, Real Life represents a new sound for the globally-acclaimed English artist following a period of self-discovery that resulted in a new defiant confidence. Sandé says that her vision for Real Life is to give people hope and confidence, “Especially people who have been marginalised, forgotten or kicked down by this invisible oppression that’s always there. I just want to give people this incredible superpower every time they play the album. Like a battery pack – by the end of the album they’re going to feel restored.”

All of the lyrics on the new album were written by Sandé, who worked on Real Life with such notables as Salaam Remi, James Poyser and Troy Miller, who produced every song. The album’s 11 tracks exude positivity, from the very opening track “Human,” which is followed by the acoustic guitar-led “Love To Help.” The soaring “You Are Not Alone” has the singer, flanked by a choir, marking a return to the anthemic sound that made Sandé a star. Lead single “Sparrow” is an empowering track showcasing the singer’s dynamic voice, as does the sermonic, R&B and gospel-flavored “Survivor.” The piano ballad “Honest” is being described as one of the most emotive songs of the singer’s career, and is followed by the cinematic, string-led album closer “Free.”

“I feel grounded,” adds Sandé. “With this album, I knew exactly what I wanted to say and do. I’ve came out the other side more confident, happier with more self-love.”