To say that Azealia Banks’s debut album has been a long time coming is an understatement. Between dalliances with XL and a major-label release stalemate, Banks has been around the houses and then some since 2008.
The surprise is not that the album is here, but that it's actually quite good. Despite all the setbacks since 212 put her in the limelight three years ago (and the infamy she attracted over various social media spats), Broke With Expensive Tastes is full of unexpected glee.
That Banks has no intention of staying in any one niche is evident from the collaboration with Ariel Pink on Nude Beach a-Go-Go, the skittish Desperado and heavyweight bass thumper Gimme a Chance.
An album of tough, savvy, cheeky and irresistible dance-pop gallivanting.
