BRIT and double MOBO Award-winner, Ella Eyre, has released another single from her upcoming album, ‘everything in time’—dropping on 21st November. 

The new track, ‘red flags and love hearts’, pays homage to two of Eyre’s musical heroes: Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill, whilst managing to cement her own status as a British soul-pop sensation! 

Inspired by a conversation in therapy, where Eyre first heard the phrase: “Why do red flags look like love hearts?”, she explains that this is “one of the most honest songs I’ve written in years. It’s about learning from your mistakes, but also forgiving yourself for making them in the first place”. 

This refreshingly honest approach to her songwriting drives forward this single—along with her well-crafted, interwoven influences from other female artists of the nineties and noughties. 

The track’s fierce chorus is full of nods to some of Hill’s biggest hits, most notably, ‘Doo Wop (That Thing)’ and ‘Lost Ones’. The catchy beat along with lyrics such as “That thing, that thing, here we go again” and “Was it me? Was it you? / I’m pretty sure you felt it to” demonstrate how Eyre is making an unsubtle yet clever and melodious tribute to one of her idols. 

The sound of 1990’s R&B is blended with Eyre’s deep contralto-esque vocals that showcase her authentic, jazzy, soul sound. Now, this is where the echoes of Amy Winehouse become clear. Not only does Eyre's unique tone mirror that of Winehouse’s but she also paces and arranges her vocal in a way that resembles a lot of Winehouse's early work. 

This ode to Amy is far more subtle than the homage paid to Lauryn Hill within the track. When listening carefully, you can make comparisons to numerous songs from Winehouse’s first album, ‘Frank’. Both the intro and bridge feel heavily influenced by ‘Fuck Me Pumps’ and ‘In My Bed’—it impressively mixes an up-tempo beat with a traditional jazz sound in the same way. 

So, ‘red flags and love hearts’ not only proves that Ella Eyre is carrying on Amy Winehouse’s expertise in distinctive genre-bending but also reinforces that she has polished off her crown and is back on top; being a soulful superstar in her own right. 

With nods to the work of Lauryn Hill too, this single reimagines R&B music of the 20th century and gives a soulful salute to some of our favourite divas—bring on 21st November! 

Cory Gourley 

Image: Kaj Jeffries

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