Travelling Like the Light

British pop star Vanessa “VV” Brown mixes and matches retro and futuristic styles on her debut release. Brown began her career as a songwriter, receiving a co-writing credit on the Pussycat Dolls’ “I Don’t Need a Man” and the Sugababes’ U.K. hit “Denial.” On her own, she creates an alternate universe where her sultry, processed vocals (“Everybody”) meet the driving beats of the dancefloor for some harmless fun, or she combines her sleek, modern grooves with her affections for the old school pop tunes one might hear on Shindig! in the ‘60s (“L.O.V.E.,” “Crazy Amazing”). While Brown excels in the fast lane with tunes such as “Quick Fix” and “Game Over,” she can dial down the infectious excitement for the unabashed romanticism of “I Love You,” where she finally catches her breath. Part R&B, part girl-group pop, part futuristic dancefloor diva, with her wild pompadour, Brown is many things to her fans, but she’s fun for all.