released: october 24, 2025

genre: soul

from: london, uk

label: amf records

a few thoughts: having followed yazmin lacey’s artistic journey since 2018’s when the sun dips 90 degrees, it’s so inspiring seeing her go from strength to strength with each and every release. like, girl, you really did that! 2023’s voice notes was a stunning debut album, with playful soulful melodies over some incredible groovy production, with an aesthetically raw and punchy sound that established her as one of the most exciting and innovative voices making music today. now is teal dreams season. her sophomore album is an expansive body of work that sees yazmin explore new sonic landscapes via lovers rock and ska influences, as well as building on that lush, groovy and soulful sound, a lot of which is heavily influenced by (and channels the energy) of the late great d’angelo. the grooves on the “teal dreams” open the album off with gorgeous, self-reflective energy, as yazmin champions her growth and achievements. she’s really blossoming on this album and it’s beautiful to experience. “two steps” and “wallpaper” are light, lovers rock inspired tracks that are light and bright in energy and capture a joyful energy. the wobbly basslines on “love is light the ghetto” are infectious, while the guitar-led ballad of “worlds apart” is beautiful too. the album really shifts into another gear from “rear view” for me, though. the drums on that track? oh my god. the jazzy, afrobeat energy on this song is just infectious, while “grace (reflective dub)” is another incredibly powerful moment on the album. she channels her inner indie girl on “no promises” are catchy guitar-driven track that is catchy and infectious, as her reflective energy on self, love and her growth. “wild things” is infectious and so groovy, with gorgeous accompanying vocals that make this an ethereal moment on the album. “ain’t i good for you” is stunning, with a funk and groove to it that is just so, so good. it’s soulful and just incredible from start to finish. and “crutch” is my shit. the off-kilter vocal sample and chords are genuinely incredible, and her voice sounds commanding. the colourful and empahtic “ribbons” is a grandiose and empowering moment on the album, while “water” with tyson is a beautiful meditation on friendship and the closer “longest way around” is a stunning track, with lush melody and her reflecting in her journey – a powerful return to home and meditation on her artistic and personal growth over the years. teal dreams is a stunning album that showcases her yazmin lacey’s talents as a singer and writer, sharing her vulnerabilities on a soulful and stunningly beautiful project that is amongst one of my favourite albums to come out this year.

the album: