What can one say about Cheryl's new album given that she herself “ran out of fucks to give”? Her lyrics, not mine.

Her career has certainly witnessed a series of spectacular highs and disheartening lows. With a new French husband and a place on the panel of the X Factor, Cheryl seems to be bolstering her place at the top with the release of her fourth LP. It’s no surprise then that Only Human focuses on themes of self-empowerment, living life to its fullest, and giving a huge middle finger to all the crap that's getting you down.

Sure, this makes for a more cohesive album, portraying a pop artist with both decision and direction. But it also reeks of milking her public trials for all their worth. In her new album, as in her 2012 autobiography, Cheryl seems consumed with getting in the last word on her failed relationships or alluding to her encounters with the tabloids and paparazzi.

Without the pointed unity of the album, many songs fail to peak on their own. Only Human seesaws between R&B and lethargic pop, dabbling occasionally in dance; the problem is that Cheryl really doesn’t show the grit needed for good R&B. Although she has more success with the pop songs, many fall short of a good climax, lacking a climactic bass drop or addictive hook.

The exception of course is the “la la la la la” chorus of 'Crazy Stupid Love', the album’s first single. Despite its farting saxophones, the track is probably the best on the LP. A close second is Firecracker, written by singer Sia Furler. The fast-tempo wit of the song blazes like a sparkler. What makes these tracks stand out is that they’re fun, they don’t take themselves too seriously, and they speak through the music first.  

I don’t mean to give the impression that this is a bad album. It’s not without reason that with 'I Don’t Care' topping the charts, Cheryl now has the most UK number one singles of any British female artist. The album contains some strong tracks, fortified by a new self-confidence. They prove that she’s on her way to becoming a pop “classic”, as she herself declares in the unabashed 'Throwback'. It’s just that with this post come higher expectations.

In comparison to her last album, A Million Lights (2012), Only Human is more subdued, less fun, and less relatable. But it is, however, an improvement insofar as it’s more thought-out, mature, and demonstrates a new shimmering confidence.