After repeated requests from fans, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Rita Ora has announced the arrival of her long-awaited third album, “You & I,” via BMG.
The project is poised to be her best yet, as Rita co-wrote every song on the album, making You & I her most autobiographical work to date.
With contributions from the likes of Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys, Usher, “You & I” represents the many stages of her relationship with Taika Waititi. The album is described as a mostly upbeat project, portraying the sensation of falling in love with someone wholly naturally.
Rita said of the upcoming record, “This album really means a lot to me. It’s like my diary of the last few years, it’s my sound and it just feels so true to me and who I am today.”
The album, which serves as the follow-up to her critically acclaimed sophomore pop record, “Phoenix,” will be preceded by a new single, “Praising You,” featuring Fatboy Slim which arrives today (April 20). This song is a reworking of the Grammy-nominated, chart-topping cult classic “Praise You,” which samples Camille Yarbrough’s “Take Yo’ Praise” and marks its 25th anniversary this year. Rita’s version of the narrative, a lovely metaphor for the alluring power of love, is introduced in “Praising You,” which was just premiered by Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1.
She said of the single, “To not only get Norman’s stamp of approval, but to actually collaborate with him and pay homage to such a massive song from my childhood was truly a surreal experience,” Rita says.
“I think this record means something different for everyone, but from my perspective, it’s about praising your loved ones and really celebrating those relationships. I’m incredibly honoured that we get to breathe new life into the song and re-introduce it to a whole new generation.”
Norman also chimed in on the track, saying: “From a chance meeting late one night in the Naughty Corner at Glastonbury a friendship and collaboration grew that on paper may look unlikely. Yet here it is, and it has a life of its own!”
Rita has been busy in the past months. She is set to star in Disney Plus’ original film ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red,’ alongside Brandy, as well as feature in the forthcoming thriller Tin Soldier with Robert De Niro and Jamie Foxx.
See below for the full tracklist for “You & I.”
1. Don’t Think Twice
2. You Only Love Me
3. Praising You (feat. Fatboy Slim)
4. Unfeel It
5. Waiting For You
6. You & I
7. That Girl
8. Shape of Me
9. Look At Me Now
10. Girl in the Mirror
11. Notting Hill
12. I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
