Album: State of Mind

Intro
"State of Mind" is the second studio album by Australian singer and starlet Holly Valance, released on 27 October 2003 by London Records. Following the success of her launching album "Footprints" in 2002, Valance continued to explore the pop and dance categories with this album, working together with prominent producers and songwriters such as Fredrik Ramel, Paer Liden, Fredrik Thomander, and Peter Wallevik.

Album Background
After the success of her debut album "Footprints", which included the hit songs "Kiss Kiss", "Down Boy", and "Naughty Girl", Valance was eager to keep the momentum with her sophomore album. "State of Mind" marks a departure from the pure pop sound of "Footprints" and showcases a more fully grown and experimental approach, integrating electronic and dance music elements. Valance co-wrote six of the album's 12 tracks, demonstrating her development as an artist and her desire for creative control.

Throughout the production of "State of Mind", Valance was embroiled in a legal fight with her former supervisor, Scott Michaelson, which affected the promo and eventually the efficiency of the album. In spite of these challenges, "State of Mind" stays an important turning point in Valance's profession, highlighting her musical advancement and growth as an artist.

Album Reception
Upon its release, "State of Mind" got mixed reviews from music critics. Some appreciated the album's fresh and bold noise, while others felt it did not have the appeal and memorability of her launching album. Commercially, "State of Mind" failed to replicate the success of "Footprints". It peaked at number 57 on the UK Albums Chart and did not chart in her native Australia.

The album's lead single, "State of Mind", was the most effective track, reaching the top 10 in the United Kingdom and top 20 in Australia. It likewise found moderate chart success in other European countries like Finland, Ireland, and Italy. However, subsequent singles "Desire" and "Ricochets" failed to make a similar effect, resulting in the album's total underperformance.

Tracklist and Highlights
"State of Mind" includes 12 tracks that integrate aspects of pop, dance, and electronic music. Some stand-out tracks include:

1. "Hypnotic" - An upbeat dance track that showcases Valance's sultry vocals and a catchy, infectious chorus.
2. "State of Mind" - The album's lead single and title track, this song is a combination of pop and electronic music with a hypnotic bassline and memorable hook.
3. "Everything I Hate" - A memorable mid-tempo pop tune that boasts a strong melody and reflective lyrics about the complexities of love and relationships.
4. "Desire" - A sensual and enticing track including a sexy, pulsating rhythm and transmittable chorus.
5. "Over 'n' Out" - A high-energy pop tune with a contagious beat and uplifting chorus, ideal for dancing the night away.

Conclusion
Though "State of Mind" may not have actually attained the commercial success of Holly Valance's debut album, it remains a fascinating and evolutional milestone in her music career. The album showcases her growth as an artist and determination to explore various sounds and styles. While it may not be remembered as a traditional album, "State of Mind" is a testament to Valance's skill and showcases her capacity worldwide of pop and dance music.