The Re-view

Cassie: King Of Hearts (Official Music Video) 

‘The Seductress’ may be an appropriate title for R&B star Cassie Ventura’s second studio album, judging by its lead single, ‘King Of Hearts’. The slinky number at first sounds rather simple but its catchy lyrics and pulsating dance beats are actually quite mesmerising and make this actually very listenable and rather addictive. 

The video which debuted this week sees the not so shy star in various states of dress, ranging from clothed to unclothed. The clip also features an outfit that brings back fond memories of Jodie Marsh’s early noughties nipple-hiding strap ensemble, a wind machine and a location that resembles the house where Bonnie Tyler once sang ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’, complete with lots of floating curtains and naked flames. 

It’s been a suspiciously long wait for the follow up to Cassie’s 2006 eponymous release which peaked at #3 on the UK charts and spawned the Top 20 singles ‘Me & U’ and ‘Long Way 2 Go’. The title for her new release was initially announced to be ‘Electro Love’ back in 2009 and at the time she hinted at a change in musical direction during an interview saying, ”I don’t want to call it dance because it’s not dance, but it has a dance vibe if you want to call it that”. Helpful. 

Since then, promotional singles have been released in the States where they failed to make any impression on listeners and a change in record deal swiftly followed. After many delays, it was only last year that Cassie finally confirmed that the new album was ready, and it has since been scheduled for a May 2012 release.

Cassie’s early live performances received poor reviews, so only time will tell whether the hypnotic appeal of the new track will silence her critics. It doesn’t necessarily stand out as a talent showcase but it may just be enough to give her a second crack of the whip. 

‘King Of Hearts’ was released to US iTunes yesterday.