Artist: Victoria Black
Title: Beautiful Mess
Genre(s): Electropop/Indie Pop/Pop/Rock Pop/Trip Hop
Length: 42:32
Release Date: April 2014
Writers: D.Blue, V.Black, S.Hollywood, B.Khan, D.Khan, K.O'Neill, S.Ventura
Producers: Deneil, LosOscuros, Make A Scene, Яebel, ThundaCatz
Executive Producer: Deneil
Label: Five Pesky Kids

"Beautiful Mess" is the second studio album from British singer/songwriter Victoria Black. The sophomore record was originally titled 'The Seductres' and was set to demonstrate Black's new found interest in the rock/pop genre - a departure from the R&B influence heard on her 2011 debut release 'Hush'. The album was lead by the rock influenced break-up anthem 'Shut Your Pretty Little Mouth' which was well received by critics and went on to become Black's first number one single. After topping the charts and inking a deal with Five Pesky Kids - Weekend's record label, it looked as though Victoria was here to stay. However, after Victoria was given the opportunity to work with new producers and artists that signed with Pesky Management, she pushed the album's release date back in order to work on it again.

In early 2014 Victoria revealed that the initial second single 'God Won't Save You Now' had been shelved and the album would undergo a name change. Victoria then went on to reveal that the original tracklist which was posted online a year previous had almost been changed completely with the exception of a few songs. In March 2014, Victoria announced that the next single from the album would be titled 'Bulletproof' - a song recorded in the new sessions. Victoria also posted the official single cover onto her Instagram profile along with the first line of the chorus; "This time around I'll be bulletproof, I'll crash into you". A day later, Black revealed that her new album will be titled "Beautiful Mess". It was also confirmed that the hit single 'Shut Your Pretty Little Mouth" will be included on the album.

"I understand that this second album has been such a long time coming. It has suffered delay after delay and i know that a lot of people weren't happy about that but I feel like releasing the record now instead of its original spring 2013 release date was for the best. Since 2011, I have been in and out of record deals, friends have come and gone, I struggled with my identity as an artist and I even thought about ending my music career at one point. However, over the last three years I have also grown as an individual, entered a serious relationship, made the transition from teenager to woman and found my spark again so it's been one hell of a ride. I wanted to come back with a powerful album. One that represents my strength, fight and growth.

Initially, I thought that 'The Seductress' was the album and I couldn't wait for everyone to hear it. However, I had written and recorded a lot of those songs almost a year before signing to Pesky so by the time it came to releasing 'Shut Your Pretty Little Mouth' and promoting the album, the songs were about a year old and weren't fresh and exciting to me anymore. When I perform my songs I not only want to see the fans enjoy it but I also want to enjoy it myself. There's nothing worse than seeing an artist that clearly doesn't connect with their music or who obviously feels like they're being forced to do it. I still love the tracks I recorded. I worked with some extremely talented people and I appreciate everything they done for me but it just didn't feel right anymore.

The guys at Pesky, who are extremely supportive with all of their acts, allowed me to delay the record as they understood where I was coming from. A few producers and artists signed to Pesky Management around the same time I decided to push back the album. Riley [Hamilton] suggested that I meet up with a few of the new signings to see if we could find some magic so I had a few meetings, a couple of 'jam' sessions here and there and things started to take shape from there onward. I definitely think that heading into the studio again was the best decision. I found an overall sound that is like a continuation of the first but it also has elements of rock pop. The original second album was strictly rock pop and comparing it to my first, it was quite a jump and sounded like a completely different artist. Now it seems like a much smoother transition and it is all still fresh and exciting to me."


BULLETPROOF
IMMUNE
SHUT YOUR PRETTY LITTLE MOUTH
GOD WON'T SAVE YOU NOW
FALL INTO YOU
COLLISIONS
TAKE ME HOME
BEAUTIFUL MESS
GHOST
PLAYING WITH FIRE
BACK AROUND


SHUT YOUR PRETTY LITTLE MOUTH (Highest Chart Position: #1)
BULLETPROOF (Highest Chart Position: TBC)


"I never in a million years thought I'd say this but album number two is finally here! It just goes to show that with the right heart, passion, drive and ambition, anything is possible. Whatever it is you want to do, go for it and don't give up as one day all the hard work will pay off. For me, getting this album finished, recorded and released was a huge dream of mine but also a huge struggle. Most of you all know the amount of setbacks I've had to enjoy since the break up of Brown Sugar and the constant falling of the labels that I've been signed to so I thank you all for waiting patiently for, 'Beautiful Mess'. I couldn't have done it without the support of some amazing people and if I leave your names out then please don't take it personally as there's just too many wonderful people around me at the moment my brain can't hold all the names! Aaah!

I want to thank the big man himself; God. With his guidance I have achieved my dreams and I am extremely thankful of that. Whenever things don't go as planned he is always there and always will be. He's answered all of my prayers and blessed me by filling my life with marvelous people. Without God, I would be truly lost in this world.

To my family - Mum, Dad, Becky and Little Jay, you guys are simply out of this world. Your constant support has really helped me through a lot of dark times in both my personal life and my music career. People always yearn for the picture perfect family and many claim that such a thing doesn't exist but they obviously haven't met you lot! Mum, you are one of strongest people I know and I hope to one day be as strong, level headed and downright perfect as you. Dad! You are one amazing guy to put up with two daughters, bickering over make up and clothes and other pointless things. I also appreciate how you make sure I remain as grounded as possible. Becky, my big sis. Despite having the odd disagreement we both know how much we love each other and I would never change you for the world. My little bro, Jay, you are a crazy little guy and I honestly haven't met anyone as outrageous, random and hilarious as you! Stick in at school and make us all proud x

To everyone involved in the creation of this album, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's been a long time coming and I thank you all for persevering with me. The final outcome was far greater than I even expected and I couldn't have done it without you all. The production is as sick as ever and you have helped nail this new sound and played a MASSIVE part in creating the album I've always dreamed of releasing. To my lovely co-writers, I'm so grateful of you all. The ideas that you all added to the project really helped to make the songs pack such a punch and really bring the feisty feel to a whole new level. You're all lyrical miracles! Deneil Khan, I could write pages upon pages on how brilliant you are and how this record may not exist if you didn't come along to help me out. You're a true talent, a wonderful person and I'm glad that I not only know you as an artist and co-worker but also as a friend.

My label, Five Pesky Kids; you have no idea how much I love you all. I thought many times about giving up on the music but when God sent you guys along to pick me back up, I could not even begin to believe it. I've been through so many rough patches over the last three years and been in some horrible record deals but everyone at Pesky has made me feel welcome and part of the family, especially Riley, my new manager. You are an absolute star and you deserve all the success in the world.

Last and far from least, my gorgeous and supportive fans. Whether you just heard my music for the first time this year or you've been a fan since the Brown Sugar days, it doesn't matter. The fact is that you're reading this and showing some support and for that, I love you. I know that since the 'Hush' album, you were all unsure whether or not I would even release new material and to tell the truth, so was I. Thank you all for staying by my side even when things were at a standstill in my career and for believing in me. You have no idea how much you all mean to me. This album is for you. This is for the long waits and the endless wondering. I hope you enjoy the album as much as I do and lets hope album number three isn't too far away either!"



Victoria Black - Vocals, Backing Vocals, Writing
Chris Hobson - Guitar, Percussion, Drums
Elliott Daily - Piano, Keyboards, Drums
Alicia May - String Arrangements
Gavin Gilmour - Guitar, Bass Guitar
Amma Oludu - Piano, Backing Vocals
Kezzie Banks - Backing Vocals
Make A Scene - Production (Track 9)
ThundaCatz - Production (Tracks 3, 5)
Яebel - Production (Tracks 10)
LosOscuros- Production (Track 4)
Simon Wells - Mixing, Mastering
Reece Montague - Engineering
Sarah Hollywood - Production, Backing Vocals, Writing
Dustyn Blue - Writing
Billy Khan - Writing
Kerry O'Neill - Writing
Sabrina Ventura - Writing, Backing Vocals
Ghazal Daneshfur- Photography
Deneil Khan - Executive Producer, Production (Tracks 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 11), Writing

Artist: Victoria Black
Title: Shut Your Pretty Little Mouth
Length: 3:32
Genre: Pop/Rock, R&B
Written By: V.Black, D.Blue, B.Khan, S.Hollywood
Produced By: ThundaCatz
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Beautiful Mess



Information
After being away from the spotlight for nearly two whole years, Victoria Black has finally returned and is ready to unleash some killer music into the world. 'Shut Your Pretty Little Mouth' marks the long awaited return of the adorable songstress and it also shows a change in musical direction for Ms. Black. Her debut album 'Hush' was filled with a mixture of R&B and Dance music that dominated the charts back in 2011 however, two years on and now into her twenties, Victoria is now sporting a more grown up image and belting out some serious rock/pop tunes. 'S.Y.P.L.M' is the lead single from her upcoming sophomore album 'Beautiful Mess' which according to Black will 'have a more mature sound' and is said to be a 'very female empowering album'. The song was inspired by the singer's unlucky in love past which saw her break up with Suburban Sunrise's lead singer, Matt Urie, and also her 'secret' (until now) relationship with her now ex-manager. Victoria certainly comes out fighting, showing off her new, feisty sound and packing quite a punch to go along with it.


The song starts off with Victoria singing in a soothing, falsetto style over an erratic but not overly powerful violin. As soon as she sings the word 'little', the whole track suddenly changes in sound almost as if it was a new song abruptly cutting the previous one short. During the first verse it becomes a laid back, guitar leaden number which you will undoubtedly add in a clicking of your fingers and maybe even a little head bob and foot tap. Victoria delivers the verse in a chilled out manner, not trying too hard and luring the listener into a false sense of security, thinking that this is just another radio friendly R&B 'jam'. Black's vocals start to pick up the pace as she goes into the pre-chorus, making the track seem just a tad more urgent but there is no major change. Suddenly the word 'bitch' is dropped into the equation, causing the listener to shake their heads and question whether or not they really heard 'cute little Victoria' say that. Now, the songstress unleashes her powerhouse vocals in the heavy, guitar driven chorus which again adds another twist to the killer song. Her vocals soar over the powerful strings and the feisty lyrics add to the 'angry' energy of the single. In the next verse, she sings in the same style as the first however the backing track has now turned up in bass a little, keeping the urgent feel of the main section of the song still very much alive. Leading onto the pre-chorus which is repeated from before, Black now puts more stress and emotion into the second half of each line which shows off just how strong and vibrant he vocals are for someone of her age and small stature. The familiar, rock/pop influenced chorus then returns again sounding more easier on the ears now as the listener has had time to get into the flow and structure of the punchy track. The bridge of the song is where Victoria really shines. She asks questions to her lover and answers them there and then for him, putting him right in his place. With each line, her vocals become much louder and emotion filled until it gets to the last line where she nonchalantly half speaks/half sings 'Baby, a kiss with a fist is better than none' causing chills down the spine. The chorus charges back and Victoria still manages to deliver after singing her lungs out non stop. When the chorus repeats, it becomes less 'venomous' and the strumming of the guitar softens as does Black's voice which now has a 'throaty' feel to it. On the last line, all instruments stop and Victoria sings the line with more aggression.

"This track just had to be my comeback single. After my first album which did quite well, my label closed down as Brown Sugar plus my solo career away from the band was the only thing pulling in money for them and although we were selling well, it wasn't enough to keep a whole label running. I then signed to a new label called 'Jai Records' and I was about to release a new single called 'All Night', however that deal fell threw. I then signed to a third label and again it didn't have a good result. After signing to Five Pesky Kids and being delighted with the deal, I knew I really had to bounce back and deliver after so many setbacks and being away from the music scene for so long. 'Shut Your Pretty Little Mouth' is one of the last tracks I recorded. The song is about a relationship I had with my manager back in 2011. He was in his late twenties and I was 18, naive and head over heels in what I thought was 'love' but even after waking up and realising how controlling and manipulating that relationship was, I was still too scared to break his heart as he was good at playing the guilt card. Fortunately I plucked up the courage and left and I don't really care about how he feels. All I care about is the fact that it has made on hell of a song. That relationship was something I knew I had to write about because of all the emotions I endured and the whole light at the end of the tunnel moment when I left. However, I couldn't quite get my thoughts onto the paper well and the original drafts just seemed so whiny like a Taylor Swift song so I called in my friend, Dustyn Blue to help work on the track and he in turn brought in Billy Khan and Sara Hollywood. Those three wrote Weekend's biggest hit; 'Lock It Up' so they really know how to write a good pop song and I was delighted to work with them. I think that the end result was much better than I expected. I wanted a song that said 'I'm back' and this one really did it with an unexpected bang."


"Shut Your Pretty Little Mouth"

Always woo me when you move those lips so let me seal them with a kiss
Boy, shut your pretty little....

I don't wanna be here no more but I find it so hard to let you go
You're good at making me feel guilty. Those puppy dog eyes always move me.
Now I think it's time I let'cha know (oh, oh)
Against your chest I feel your heartbeat, how could I ever be so mean?
How could I crush it in a second and have you pleading and begging?
Such a shame but I have to let go

Say that I'm heartless but I've got to move on
You can call me a bitch and say how I was in the wrong
No time to regret things when all is said and done
Used to feel so helpless but I'll be stronger when you're gone

Shut your pretty little mouth,
I don't wanna hear another sou-ound
I melt with your every word, can't crawl back if you're not heard
Shut your pretty little mouth
With every word, you bring me down
Always woo me when you move those lips so let me seal them with a kiss
Boy, shut your pretty little mouth
And watch me walk on out

Laying on the beach watching the tide back when you used to give me butterflies
Happy times feel so far away, ain't nothing like the mess we are today
I think I'll be better off alone.
It only took me a minute to see your heart wasn't in it
All the hugs and the kissing lost all worth in an instant
Such a shame but it's time I go

Say that I'm heartless but I've got to move on
You can call me a bitch and say how I was in the wrong
No time to regret things when all is said and done
Used to feel so helpless but I'll be stronger when you're gone

Shut your pretty little mouth,
I don't wanna hear another sou-ound
I melt with your every word, can't crawl back if you're not heard
Shut your pretty little mouth
With every word, you bring me down
Always woo me when you move those lips so let me seal them with a kiss
Boy, shut your pretty little mouth
And watch me walk on out

You wonder why I called it quits? Why I couldn't put up with it?
Why is it over? Cos you did something wrong!
Only really want me because I have gone
It's 'bout time I thought of my own needs for once.
Out on my own and got nothing to lose just keep your mouth shut, stop me falling for you
Kiss you goodbye as we begin to move on.
Baby, a kiss with a fist is better than none....

Shut your pretty little mouth,
I don't wanna hear another sou-ound
I melt with your every word, can't crawl back if you're not heard
Shut your pretty little mouth
With every word, you bring me down
Always woo me when you move those lips so let me seal them with a kiss
Boy, shut your pretty little mouth
And watch me walk on out

Shut your pretty little mouth,
I don't wanna hear another sou-ound
I melt with your every word, can't crawl back if you're not heard
Shut your pretty little mouth
With every word, you bring me down
Always woo me when you move those lips so let me seal them with a kiss
Boy, shut your pretty little mouth
And watch me walk on out

Shut your, shut your pretty little mouth

Can Be Compared To:

Artist: Victoria Black
Title: Fall Into You
Genre: Rock Pop
Length: 3:46
Written By: V.Black, B.Khan
Produced By: ThundaCatz
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Beautiful Mess

Information
"Fall Into You" is a rock/pop song from English singer/songwriter Victoria Black. It is the fifth track on Victoria's long awaited sophomore effort, "Beautiful Mess". The track was written by Victoria and Weekend member, Billy Khan who helped pen Victoria's number one hit "Shut Your Pretty Little Mouth". The pair wrote the song at Pesky Studios in late 2013 when Black contacted Khan and expressed a desire to work with him again due to the high quality of their previous writing sessions. Production of the track comes from English duo ThundaCatz who also produced "SYPLM" for Black in early 2013. Victoria has stated that this is one of the most upbeat and typical "pop" songs included on the record. Black has also expressed her desire to perform this live as it is a very "energetic" track as well as being "extremely catchy".

Lyrically, the song is about Victoria trying to win her ex-boyfriend back now that she finally has an opportunity. Having let him go, she never realised just how great he really was and didn't start to appreciate what she had until it was all gone. They have remained good friends after the split and now, after quite some time since they broke up, Victoria is willing to give it a go again and suspects that since the guy is still unattached, he will be willing to try once more too. However, Black states that she doesn't tend to think things through and acts on impulse so has absolutely no plan and no idea what she is going to say. Being so head over heels for him, she hopes that everything just happens naturally and that she'll fall into him rather than being rejected and falling face down on the ground.

"I would say that "Fall Into You" is probably one of the most "pop" moments on the record and one that is more radio friendly than a lot of the album and that's good, that's what I wanted. You know, a lot of "Beautiful Mess" is very serious, dark and there isn't a lot to dance to and I didn't want that. I started out as a pop artist and I still love to perform really upbeat tracks and not take everything so seriously. "Fall Into You" isn't anything groundbreaking, Billy and I wrote it within 10 minutes. It was the quickest track I have ever created but it still serves its purpose. I definitely can't wait to perform this one live, it's definitely one of the most energetic tracks I have on the record. Although it's just a standard pop song and the lyrics aren't exactly hard hitting, I still love it as it's fun to sing along to and I really get to sing on this track, especially on that booming chorus. "Fall Into You" was produced by ThundaCatz, the guys that did "Shut Your Pretty Little Mouth". They are amazing and they gave the song this fast paced, rock tinged sound which I love."

"Fall Into You"

I know I really shouldn't be doing this
It's all a haze, I'm in the wrong state of mind
My heart speaks so much louder than my head
I missed you once, won't mess it up this time

I'm all tongue-tied, I sound like a fool
I just dove right in without any safety net
But I'd take all the risks just to be with you
Gotta try harder this time, I don't want any regrets

You've got me head over heals, head over heals
I'm gonna fall into you tonight

Well I've lost you once before, I won't make the same mistake again
My heart's on my fire, my mind's made up, I'm heading down the fast lane
There is no stopping me now, I'm going on full power
Get outta my way, 'cause I..
I got my eyes set on the prize, I'm gonna fall into your arms tonight
I'll fall into you, you, into you
I'll fall into you, you, into you

Maybe I am not thinking entirely straight
Maybe I shouldn't let my heart take all control
But now I have a chance to make a change
And this time around, I won't be letting you go (oh!)

I hear a million different voices talking
They're all telling me to take time out and think this through
The last thing I want to do is sit back and start watching
I just wanna fall into, fall into you

You got me head over heals, head over heals
I'm head over heals tonight

Well I've lost you once before, I won't make the same mistake again
My heart's on my fire, my mind's made up, I'm heading down the fast lane
There is no stopping me now, I'm going on full power
Get outta my way, 'cause I..
I got my eyes set on the prize, I'm gonna fall into your arms tonight
I'll fall into you, you, into you
I'll fall into you, you, into you

As you move a little closer, I remember everything we once had
I'm trembling, my legs can't hold up, I wanna move on and forget the past
I'm tripping over all of my words, I just can't seem to get them out
I see that smile and I know everything's alright, I'll fall into you tonight

Well I've lost you once before, I won't make the same mistake again
My heart's on my fire, my mind's made up, I'm heading down the fast lane
There is no stopping me now, I'm going on full power
Get outta my way, 'cause I..
I got my eyes set on the prize, I'm gonna fall into your arms tonight
I'll fall into you, you, into you
I'll fall into you, you, into you

Can Be Compared To;

Artist: Victoria Black
Title: Take Me Home
Genre: Pop, Trip Hop
Length: 3:18
Written By: V.Black, D.Khan
Produced By: Deneil
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Beautiful Mess

Information
"Take Me Home" is a mid-tempo pop/trip pop song written by Victoria Black and Deneil Khan. It is the seventh track on Black's long awaited sophomore effort, "Beautiful Mess". The song was written and recorded in January 2014, becoming one of the last songs Black
recorded for the album alongside the rest of the tracks she recorded with Deneil. Production of the track comes from the aforementioned English producer/rapper Deneil who also has a writing credit on the song. "Take Me Home", alongside "Immune", "Collisions", "Beautiful Mess", "Bulletproof" and "Back Around" was recorded in the makeshift studio within the basement of Deneil's home.

Lyrically, the song is about a girl who is suffering from severe depression and feels like she is an outcast, not belonging in any group or any place. It is also suggested that the girl within the song is a teenage runaway as she is searching for a place to rest her head for the night. Victoria, who portrays the runaway, states that she feels like she has no purpose in this world and nothing good in her life ever lasts for long. She believes that she isn't meant to find happiness as nothing ever seems to go right for her. Victoria finds herself wondering the cold, dark streets and hanging around bars hoping to hook up with someone for just one night. Rather than the satisfaction of sexual pleasure being her agenda, it is actually the feeling of being held and having a purpose for that one night that she is craving. Black has stated that this song was written about a past experience and although she didn't partake in any one night stands nor runaway, the feelings that the girl has are similar to the ones Black once felt at one point in her life.

"I would say that this track, "Take Me Home", is the most personal track on the album. I wrote this song about a very dark time in my life and career which took place like 2 almost 3 years ago. After my first album was released, things really took a turn for the worst and I didn't think I was going to bounce back from any of it. I had a very successful 2011; Brown Sugar took off, my album did well, I released two big chart hits and I entered my first serious relationship but everything sort of fell away from. I was on top of the world and the next minute, everything was gone. It was like the rug was pulled from under me at 90 miles per hour. The record label went bust, I couldn't find a new label for long enough and then when I did find one, that deal fell through again. I split up with my boyfriend when I needed someone the most and again, another deal fell through. I felt like everything I touched....just died. I couldn't understand why that was happening to me. I worked so hard to get into the music industry and to be honest, it didn't seem worth it anymore. I also struggled with my identity as an artist for a while and that was tough. It was like two whole years of letdowns, rejection, confusion....I fell into a depression. Unlike the girl in the song, I didn't go around looking for one night stands or run away from home but all the negativity and emotions she was feeling that lead her up to that point, that was all me. I felt like that for a long time. Thankfully, it's a different story now and I'm happier than ever and although people say I shouldn't remind myself of that time, I think it's a story that people need to hear."

"Take Me Home"

Take me home, I don't want any questions asked
I'm just another lonely girl, take me, no strings attached
Take me home, you don't even have to kiss me once
But please just let me come inside

Take me home, let my body bask in the warmth
Lock the door, throw the key, I want to forget about outside
Take me home, you don't even have to say a word
I just need to lay my head down somewhere

Give me life, give me a purpose
I'm an empty canvas, draw a smile, make me over
Wrap me up, I'll be such a pretty picture
I'll be your dancing little Barbie doll
Take my mind, take my body
Tell me everything will be OK and that I'll find peace
Take my hand, take my soul
Do whatever you like, I'm yours, just don't let go
Take me home tonight

Take me home, nobody will ever know
Do you hear any cries? Do you hear the search parties?
Take me home, I don't even want to know your name
We could be perfect strangers in the night

Take me home, stop me from drinking more
Just gave me a change of scenery, something brand new
Take me home, shelter me from the rain
I'm red-eyed, help me dry these tears I've cried

Give me life, give me a purpose
I'm an empty canvas, draw a smile, make me over
Wrap me up, I'll be such a pretty picture
I'll be your dancing little Barbie doll
Take my mind, take my body
Tell me everything will be OK and that I'll find peace
Take my hand, take my soul
Do whatever you like, I'm yours, just don't let go
Take me home tonight

As I lay me down to sleep, I feel my hollow heart beat
I can feel my lungs move with ease, for a second I thought I found peace
Then the footsteps come, louder and louder with every thump
Crash and yells, I turn to run, but where do I go from here?

Give me life, give me a purpose
I'm an empty canvas, draw a smile, make me over
Wrap me up, I'll be such a pretty picture
I'll be your dancing little Barbie doll
Take my mind, take my body
Tell me everything will be OK and that I'll find peace
Take my hand, take my soul
Do whatever you like, I'm yours, just don't let go
Take me home tonight

Can Be Compared To

Artist: Victoria Black
Title: Beautiful Mess
Genre: Pop, Neo Soul
Length: 3:55
Written By: V.Black
Produced By: Deneil
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Beautiful Mess

Information

"Beautiful Mess" is a mid-tempo pop/trip pop song written by Victoria Black. It is the eighth track on Black's long awaited sophomore effort, "Beautiful Mess". The song was written and recorded in January 2014, becoming one of the last songs Black recorded for the album alongside the rest of the tracks she recorded with Deneil. Production of the track comes from the aforementioned English producer/rapper Deneil. "Beautiful Mess", alongside "Immune", "Collisions", "Take Me Home", "Bulletproof" and "Back Around" was recorded in the makeshift studio within the basement of Deneil's home. The song is the only one from the "Deneil sessions" that was written in its entirety by Black before entering his London studio.

Lyrically, the song is about a young couple who have not long entered a relationship and are experiencing all the ups and downs that happen in a serious relationship. Black states multiple times that the things the male partner does should drive her away yet somehow she stays and loves him even more as that is just the way he is. Outsiders think that the relationship is nothing but a "mess" and should come to an end, whereas Victoria and her boyfriend see the "beauty" in it and wouldn't change a thing about one another. Black herself has stated that the theme is really similar to that of "Collisions", track 6 on the album, only with a more upbeat sound and lighthearted approach to the subject. With lines like; "Better be prepared, I'm gonna be whipping that ass straight" and "The things said would make even a sailor blush" it's clear that Black is going for a more comical approach this time around.

"Ah, "Beautiful Mess" is one of my top tracks on the album. While there are tracks on the record that have a lot more meaning to me and ones that are about more serious subject matters, I still love this one because I think it's just a cute, lighthearted and fun song to sing along to. I would say that this song is like the second part to "Collisions". While both songs have a very similar subject - outsiders voicing their opinion when they don't even know how the couple feel - I would say that "Collisions" was serious to a great extent. That was the big, heartfelt ballad whereas this one is rather tongue-in-cheek at parts and dare I say it, I feel a little sassy when I sing it! I wrote this song like two weeks before I went to meet with Deneil. It was one of the first songs we worked on and I remember him laughing at some of the lyrics. I thought he disliked them but thankfully I got his seal of approval. Since the lyrics are quite playful, Deneil suggested that we go for a dramatic beat, something very powerful which deliberately contrasts with the silly nature of the lyrics. I can't wait to perform this one live, it always puts a smile on my face and maybe a lot of couples can relate to this one."


"Beautiful Mess"

You have my heart between your teeth
I trust you with everything I have
But I'm feeling torn apart, feeling so confused
I can't keep up with all of the crazy things you do
Somehow I still stick with you

I will give you all of my time
No other man could ever stand next you
I'm not fooling around, you're the best I ever had
But all of your antics are wearing me out
Yet somehow I stay with you

I don't care about what they say
It's just another drop, it's okay yeah
I love this little thing that we've got going on
And years from now we'll still be going strong

We're such a beautiful mess together
But we can figure everything out on our own
And nobody else gets it but we don't sweat it, this is just you and me
Oh such a beautiful mess together
And when everyone tells us to let go
We don't sweat it, we're not stressing, 'cause this is just you and me

Oh oh, oh whoa
Oh oh, oh whoa
No oh, oh no oh

The beautiful mess that is you and me

You told me you finished work at nine
It's heading to twelve, the food's cold and I'm alone
Pretty soon you'll come stumbling in late
Better be prepared, I'm gonna be whipping that ass straight
Sometimes I don't know why I try

We have another war of words
The things said would make even a sailor blush
But then you grab me, hold me, kiss and hug
Tell me how sexy I am when I get revved up
Somehow, I love the things you do

I don't care about what they say
It's just another drop, it's okay yeah
I love this little thing that we've got going on
And years from now we'll still be going strong

We're such a beautiful mess together
But we can figure everything out on our own
And nobody else gets it but we don't sweat it, this is just you and me
Oh such a beautiful mess together
And when everyone tells us to let go
We don't sweat it, we're not stressing, 'cause this is just you and me

Oh oh, oh whoa
Oh oh, oh whoa
No oh, oh no oh

The beautiful mess that is you and me

It's a force of habit, we just can't break
Forever trapped in this box but that's OK
I love it this way, wouldn't change what's going on
And years from now we'll still be going strong

It's a beautiful mess
Such a beautiful mess
Oh we're a beautiful mess
We don't sweat it oh yeah yeah
It's a beautiful mess
Such a beautiful mess
Oh we're a beautiful mess
We don't sweat it oh yeah yeah

We're such a beautiful mess together
But we can figure everything out on our own
And nobody else gets it but we don't sweat it, this is just you and me
Oh such a beautiful mess together
And when everyone tells us to let go
We don't sweat it, we're not stressing, 'cause this is just you and me

Oh oh, oh whoa
Oh oh, oh whoa
No oh, oh no oh

The beautiful mess that is you and me

It's a beautiful mess
Such a beautiful mess
Oh we're a beautiful mess
It's a beautiful mess
Such a beautiful mess
Oh we're a beautiful mess

[Repeat Until Fade]

Can Be Compared To

OOC: These last two songs got erased TWICE. Didn't have the motivation to rewrite them for a while but I gave myself a kick :P




Artist: Victoria Black
Title: Playing With Fire
Genre: Electropop
Length: 3:31
Written By: V.Black
Produced By: Яebel
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: Beautiful Mess

Information
"Playing With Fire" is an electropop song from English singer/songwriter Victoria Black. It is the tenth track on Victoria's long awaited sophomore effort, "Beautiful Mess". The track was written solely by Victoria, who has been exploring and working on her abilities as a songwriter throughout the creation of this, her second album. Black wrote the original lyrics for "Playing With Fire" at Pesky Studios in late 2013 before working on a different song with Sara Hollywood. Thinking little of the lyrics she had penned, Black put the song to one side and it wasn't until late January 2014 when she revisited them. After her boyfriend, pop star Kato, came under fire for being pictured partying without Black she wanted to write a song to demonstrate how overly negative and silly the press can be. A lot of the original lyrics explained how the girl loves the "burn" from her intense boyfriend and since Kato was being painted as this "bad boy", Victoria turned the track into a more sarcastic offering and played along with this fake new image that was being projected onto Kato. Production of the track comes from English producer, Яebel.

The lyrics of the song describe both Black's relationship with her pop star boyfriend and how the media like to perceive Comyns. Ever since Kato was pictured partying with fellow teen singer Austin Nimmo and without Victoria, a lot of rumours started to circulate - many of them showing Comyns in a negative light. After being bombarded with rumours saying that she was being cheated on, Kato was abusing drugs and even things as ludicrous as Kato entering a secret same-sex relationship with Nimmo, Black had enough. In the song, Victoria tells us that she is well aware of what people are saying. She has heard from others, she has read many different things and people have forced their opinions on her. Despite this, she knows that everything is untrue and wishes to support her boyfriend and just let all of the negativity wash over. As the media have recently like to portray Comyns as a bad boy, Black comically dubs him as one in the song and acts as if all of his nice gestures are shocking and outrageous.

"I think that "Playing With Fire" is one of the more fun songs on the album. It's definitely one you can dance to unlike a lot of the other songs on here and I really love this one because not only is it fun to listen to, I can also really connect with it because it's about a situation that I'm still living in right now. People think that I just lock myself in my house 24/7 and have no idea what's being printed and what people are saying and insinuating but I know fine well, trust me! (laughs). This is not a situation I like to dwell on, it honestly doesn't bother me that much but I felt like by adding this song, I'm saying what I have to say on the matter and that's it. I actually find it funny when I read things about Kato and his friends. I look at the headlines and captions, most of which call him a "bad boy" and say things like "he's going to go off the rails" and I'm just in stitches, honestly. I know him, I know exactly what it's like and when I read and hear stupid things it just makes me laugh at how pathetic people can be. Anyone who knows me will know that I'm so sarcastic and love a good joke so this song is like saying "He just kissed me on the cheek. He went out with some friends. He MUST be such a bad guy". It's just sort of like "yeah, here is your bad boy. If this is your definition of one then he's guilty as charged." I think that this one will be great to perform because I know that a lot of fans are sick of the rumours as much as I am so it'll be great to hear and see their reaction plus it's really upbeat and fast paced, gives me an excuse to "bust some moves" as they say!"


"Playing With Fire"

I've been told a million things about you from so many different mouths
They seem to have figured you out before they've even met you, oh
It just goes right over my head, I don't understand
How can they piece together his puzzle when they don't know the man?

I've read a tonne of shocking things all about you, all over many blogs and pages
Take a photo, add a random caption and it suddenly becomes the truth, oh
They might say that a picture is worth a thousand words
I say that actions speak louder but they like to twist things to make it hurt

You, you don't have to worry this is just another drop in the ocean
We, we can sit tight and wait until all of this blows over

They say I'm playing with fire well if that's the case then I love the burn
I guess I just love the burn, I guess I just love the burn
If you're as dangerous as they say you are, prove it, take me on a wild run
Throw our palms to the sky, together you and I, we're gonna ignite
Some sparks are going to fly tonight but that's okay, I love the burn

I've heard so many different opinions about you, they're telling me as if they matter
When will they realise that I don't give a damn about empty air? oh
Like to share their thoughts as if it's the truth but what do they really know?
Have they ever seen us together? Do they know what you're like behind closed doors?

You, you don't have to worry this is just another drop in the ocean
We, we can sit tight and wait until all of this blows over

They say I'm playing with fire well if that's the case then I love the burn
I guess I just love the burn, I guess I just love the burn
If you're as dangerous as they say you are, prove it, take me on a wild run
Throw our palms to the sky, together you and I, we're gonna ignite
Some sparks are going to fly tonight but that's okay, I love the burn

Oh kiss me quick and ruin my life
Yeah hold me close and break my heart
You're a bad boy, tear it all apart
Some sparks are going to fly tonight but that's okay, I love the burn
Let's give them something to talk about
Come ahead and give me all you've got
Want you to fire at me with your best shot
Some sparks are going to fly tonight but that's okay, I love the burn

They say I'm playing with fire well if that's the case then I love the burn
I guess I just love the burn, I guess I just love the burn
If you're as dangerous as they say you are, prove it, take me on a wild run
Throw our palms to the sky, together you and I, we're gonna ignite
Some sparks are going to fly tonight but that's okay, I love the burn

Oh kiss me quick and ruin my life
Yeah hold me close and break my heart
You're a bad boy, tear it all apart
Some sparks are going to fly tonight but that's okay, I love the burn
Let's give them something to talk about
Come ahead and give me all you've got
Want you to fire at me with your best shot
Some sparks are going to fly tonight but that's okay, I love the burn

Can Be Compared To