Album Review: Heaven knows by PinkPantheress
PinkPantheress’ debut blossomed into songs that exude a greater sense of openness and joy but plays it safe.
PinkPantheress distinguishes herself from her contemporaries with a savvy and slick approach to music, particularly when compared to other young artists who have drawn inspiration from the aesthetics of the 2000s. Her strategy diverges notably from that of recent viral sensations such as Jxdn or Addison Rae. Rather than leveraging her identity for fame, she places her music at the center of her public persona, choosing to be known by a moniker derived from her TikTok handle. This decision has kept her true identity shrouded in mystery, with even her real name remaining elusive.
A unique blend of intimacy and distance characterizes the music of PinkPantheress. Her early work, shared on TikTok starting in 2020, features tracks that convey warmth and tenderness akin to a confidant sharing secrets amidst the pulsating energy of a dancefloor. Her initial singles, including “Break It Off” and “Pain,” encapsulate the intense emotions of young love—its fervent longing and persistent ache. At that time, as a film student in London, she balanced her studies with music creation, naturally maintaining a discreet distance from the public eye. Her tracks were enigmatic, rich in implication yet sparse in detail, often concluding before reaching the three-minute mark. Just as listeners begin to feel a connection, the track ends, leaving them wanting more.
Her debut album, Heaven knows, marks a departure from this earlier style. Collaborating with an array of producers—from pop mainstays like Greg Kurstin to underground figures such as PC Music’s Danny L. Harle—she evolves her sound into something more extroverted and complete. This progression follows the success of “Boy’s a liar, Pt. 2,” a collaboration with Ice Spice that climbed the Hot 100. The track’s multifaceted production and engaging guest verse signal PinkPantheress’s expanding ambitions. The album reflects her aspiration to transcend her online origins, as she expressed earlier this year her disinterest in being labeled an “internet artist.” She aspires to create universally relatable music—the kind that resonates with both close relatives and broader audiences.
On Heaven knows, PinkPantheress returns to familiar sonic elements: vibrant synths, intricate drum patterns, and the delicate timbre of her vocal range. The track “Feelings” delves into themes she navigates well: desire, anxiety, and uncertainty. Yet this song feels more polished than her previous work, with its lustrous production choices and assertive vocal performance. Across the album, she sheds any previous reticence, fully embracing the boldness that comes with rising fame.
PinkPantheress’s intuitive songwriting approach has led to concise tracks that felt complete at their brief lengths. However, longer songs like “Capable of love” offer a new auditory experience. Where her earlier songs rapidly presented their ideas, this track allows its melodies to unfold gradually, embracing repetition and dynamic shifts previously unexplored due to time constraints.
Tracks such as “Mosquito” captivate with their Kero Kero Bonito-inspired vocals and Artful Dodger-influenced Latin guitars woven into garage rhythms. The album navigates introspective themes with lyrics that ponder existential thoughts. Yet it is “The aisle” that truly sparkles on the album, channeling the energy of her sample-driven “Attracted to You” into a faster-paced dance track enriched by Sam Gellaitry’s distinctive synths.
While Heaven knows showcases PinkPantheress’s talents as a songwriter and producer and features compelling contributions from guests, including Kelela and Rema, it also highlights her ability to maintain an air of mystery amidst the club scene’s shadows. Despite stepping further into the limelight and maturing as an artist, she continues to cultivate an aura of intrigue.
The album confirms what fans have come to expect from the British singer: an impressive collection of dance-oriented tracks and potent anthems. Moving beyond the concise euphoria of To hell with it, this project is a comprehensive work rather than a mere mixtape chasing the initial rush of fame. PinkPantheress could have opted for predictable hits but instead chose to refine her sound and expand her influence, bridging drum’n’bass with mainstream appeal in innovative ways.
Solid (★★★½☆)
Favorite Track(s): “Mosquito,” “The aisle,” “Capable of Love”
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