Album: One & Two

Introduction
Charlotte Church's 4th studio album, "One & Two", released in 2013, marks a substantial departure from her previous work as it integrates the two EPs "One" and "Two", which were both released in 2012. The Welsh singer-songwriter, who got global fame as a classical vocalist throughout her teenage years, takes an experimental approach with her new album by diving into alternative and indie categories. "One & Two" represents Church's growth as an artist, showcasing her ability to compose and produce her music while checking out various musical styles and dealing with individual, political, and social styles.

One - The Beginning of a New Sound
"One", the first EP in the combined album, consists of five tracks that present Church's brand-new sound by combining components of indie rock, ambient folk, and dream pop. The opening track "The Rise" is a sweeping, orchestral number that showcases Church's effective vocals with a hauntingly stunning chorus. "How Not To Be Surprised" is a lighter, bouncy pop number that explores the end of a relationship, while "Say It's True" is a slow, reflective ballad about finding a lost love.

Perhaps the most striking song on "One" is "Beautiful Wreck", a raw, susceptible ballad about feeling broken and getting the pieces. The song's lyrics are a plain contrast to her earlier work, showcasing Church's development as a songwriter, and the song's delicate plan leaves an enduring impression. The final track on the EP, "Judge From Afar", is a darker, more aggressive number reminiscent of Florence + the Machine.

Two - A Darker and More Political Tone
With "Two", Church's noise takes an even darker, moodier turn. The EP's opening track, "Nerve", is an intense, anguished anthem about discovering strength in the face of hardship. "Last of the Morning Stars", a duet with fellow Welsh artist Daniel McIntaggart, features a brooding, transcendent arrangement that matches the pair's skyrocketing vocals. "Swansea", a moody ballad called after the Welsh city, takes a look at the loss of cultural identity amidst modernization and globalization.

The political undertones in "Two" pertained to the leading edge in "Lost Cities", a track that has Church regreting the state of the world and the destruction of the environment. The lyrics refer to the melting ice caps and the felling of the Amazon rainforest. The closing track, "Let It Alone", is a melancholic ballad that discusses the difficulties of moving on and letting go of past likes.

Important Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "One & Two" got mixed reviews from critics. Some applauded Church's progression as an artist and her willingness to try out various genres, while others slammed the album's lack of cohesion and polish. Despite the reviews, "One & Two" remains a testimony to Charlotte Church's development as an artist and her determination to evolve beyond her classical roots.

In the years given that the album's release, Church has continued to explore her musical interests, dabbling in punk, indie rock, and even musical comedy. Although "One & Two" may not have catapulted Church back to the heights of her teenage popularity, it stands as an engaging and crucial stepping stone in her ongoing musical journey.