Bad Bitch Replenishment
Flo’s Access All Areas bridges the gap between past and present, delivering a bold and sultry revival of R&B girl group magic while hinting at exciting new horizons in a vibrant ode to sisterhood and empowerment.
Once upon a time - not so long ago - the girl group reigned supreme. They were the soundtrack to breakups and glow-ups, with powerhouse harmonies, cutting-edge fashion, and attitude to spare. But in the Western pop landscape of recent years, that magic seemed to have faded, replaced by solo stars dominating the charts. Enter Flo: three Londoners determined to bring the heat, the harmony, and the bad bitch energy that the world has been crying out for.
Ms. Jorja Douglas, Ms. Renée Downer and Ms. Stella Quaresma are a force of nature. With their debut album Access All Areas, they’ve tapped into the rich tradition of R&B icons while crafting a sound that’s fresh, timeless, and irresistibly fun.
When Flo first announced themselves to the world, they did not tiptoe in. Winning the BBC Sound of 2023 poll and the Brit Rising Star Award was no small feat for a girl group, especially in an era where R&B has been largely dominated by solo acts. From the outset, Flo was clear about their mission: to revive the girl group tradition, not as just a nostalgic throwback. That mission statement is delivered loud and clear by none other than the legend, the icon, the moment Cynthia Erivo on the album’s opening track. In a voice dripping with gravitas and flair, Erivo introduces Flo as the torchbearers of icons. “Between the years of 2001 and 2002, there simply was not enough brilliance in the world,” she declares, summing up exactly what Flo is here to fix, adding that “you see, planet Earth was in dire need of bad bitch replenishment, a trio was ready to receive the baton passed on by the likes of Destiny’s Child, SWV and countless other iconic baddies of the past”.
Renée Downer, Stella Quaresma and Jorja Douglas lensed by Tom Emmerson. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
From the first real song, "AAA," the trio takes us on a tour de force of luscious harmonies and tightly produced beats. Stella leads the charge, her voice sultry and assured, while Jorja’s sky-high notes give the track a transcendental lift. Renée’s deeper tones anchor the trio, creating a blend that’s both effortless and electrifying.
What sets Flo apart from their predecessors is their cohesion. There’s no “star” here; no Beyoncé or Nicole Scherzinger hogging the limelight. Instead, their voices complement each other perfectly, creating harmonies so rich they could probably turn your bland morning americano into caramel macchiato.
The band’s strength lies in their ability to borrow from the best of R&B’s tradition while still sounding undeniably modern. "Bending My Rules" is a standout, channeling Solange’s dreamy neo-soul with layers of guitar and a beat that lurches and sways like a slow dance at an after-hours club. It’s sensual, moody, and addictive. Then there’s "In My Bag," a certified trap banger featuring Memphis rapper GloRilla, which merges the polished vocals of 90s R&B with the grit of 2020s hip-hop. Flo’s versatility is on full display here, proving they’re not afraid to take risks and switch things up. And then, on "Walk Like This," Flo delivers a masterclass in sass, reminding us all that they’re not here to play nice.
The album also ventures into familiar girl-group territory: tales of heartbreak, empowerment, and the occasional useless boyfriend. But Flo’s true magic lies in their ability to balance these moments of emotional intensity with the pure joy of a dance floor anthem. Tracks like "Check" incorporate a subtle UK garage influence, nodding to their London roots while keeping the energy high.
Part of what makes Flo so irresistible is their sheer charisma. Renée brings the sharp wit, Stella oozes cool-girl vibes, and Jorja’s ethereal voice makes her the group’s emotional core. Together, they create an alchemy that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Their visual style reflects this boldness: think 90s-inspired fits, but elevated with modern glam. From oversized hoops to sleek leather ensembles, their look is as much a part of their identity as their music.
If there’s one critique of Access All Areas, it’s that here’s room for more experimentation. The album lovingly recreates the sound of 90s and early 2000s R&B but stops short of the sonic risk-taking that made that era so thrilling. Think the off-kilter brilliance of Timbaland’s beats for Aaliyah or the Neptunes’ quirky magic with Kelis. Flo has the potential to push those boundaries, and it’s exciting to imagine what they’ll do next.
For now, though, Flo has already accomplished something extraordinary. They’ve revived a genre and a format that many had written off as relics of the past. They’ve proven that girl groups still have a place in modern music, and that harmonies, sisterhood, and a little bit of cheeky attitude can go a long way. As Erivo so perfectly put it, Access All Areas is a “feast for our ears.” And with Flo at the helm, it’s safe to say that the R&B girl group renaissance has officially begun. Let it Flo, indeed.
