Access All Areas: Unlocked

the take

I'm not gonna lie to y'all, when I've seen that FLO released a new album recently, part of me was already biased because I already enjoyed their previous music. As for why I've just now given "Access All Areas" a listen, I can't explain why... but I can explain why I already knew it's an amazing body of work before listening. "Access All Areas" really just reinforces the fact that every member succeeds in showcasing their talents and vocals. There's a clear direct influence of Destiny's Child on here (which I'm here for, nostalgically speaking), which actually benefits the trio and album as a whole. What makes this album hit for me is the fact that FLO pays homage to late-90's/early-2000's R&B both musically and vocally, all the while still sounding fresh and current with the times. In actuality, they incorporated numerous styles on here, with dance-pop being one of them. This album is about as cohesive as one could want, straight from the jump. Honestly, it's difficult for me to pick a clear-cut favorite, but "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" might be at the top of my list. (There are other tracks that are really a close second and third.) I might be jumping the gun when I say this, but it might be safe to say that FLO has definitely set the standard on how a girl group should operate and make music in 2025.