FLO’s debut album, Access All Areas, is a masterful blend of their unique identity and the nostalgic sounds of the iconic ’90s R&B girl groups that inspired them. The trio pays homage to their predecessors—the likes of Destiny’s Child, SWV, and The Sugababes—without ever falling into gimmickry or imitation, striking a balance between respect for the past and confidence in their own artistry.
The journey to this moment as well as the growth of their career has been nothing short of exponential. FLO burst onto the scene with their viral single ‘Cardboard Box’, a track that instantly cemented them as one of the most promising upcoming acts out of the UK. The single propelled Renee, Stella and Jorja into the spotlight. Since then, FLO has consistently fought to earn their status as a household name.
Following ‘Cardboard Box’, the group released multiple singles and two exceptional EPs—The Lead and 3 of Us. They’ve headlined their own tour, opened for artists like Kehlani, and earned co-signs from contemporary icons such as Ariana Grande, Victoria Monet, Ella Mai, Jade Thirlwall and Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix. Over the past three years, FLO has diligently laid the groundwork for what could be a truly fulfilling career.
With Access All Areas, FLO delivers a cohesive and well-crafted debut that highlights their tight harmonies, witty yet audacious lyricism, and stunning production. The album merges traditional R&B elements with contemporary, upbeat sounds, showcasing their ability to pay tribute to the past while sounding distinctly modern.
The project begins with an introduction narrated by Cynthia Erivo, where the group acknowledges the “iconic baddies” who paved the way for them. This track sets the tone for FLO’s mission to embody a new R&B girl group renaissance.
The title track, ‘AAA’, and ‘In My Bag’ featuring GloRilla are electric standouts. These songs remind us why FLO captured our hearts to begin with: addictive melodies, undeniable energy, and effortless mastery of the girl group formula. It feels like a solidification of their identity as hitmakers.
As the album unfolds, FLO dives deeper into their influences. Tracks like ‘Soft’ and ‘On & On’ tap into classic R&B sounds reminiscent of Janet Jackson, showcasing their ability to channel the timeless grooves of the ’90s while keeping the production fresh. The first half of the album concludes with the gospel-inspired ‘Bending My Rules’, a soulful and emotive track that leads into a dynamic shift in the second half.
The latter half of Access All Areas is packed with confidence-boosting anthems and bold, high-energy tracks like ‘IWH2BMX’ (I Would Hate 2 Be My X) and ‘Nocturnal’. These songs mark a declaration: FLO knows exactly who they are and where they stand. Their assertive energy and daring production exude self-assurance to their listeners, making it clear that the group is here to dominate.
The star of the album, ‘Shoulda Woulda Coulda’, encapsulates the nostalgia of early 2000s R&B with its production and heartfelt lyricism. The track feels like a love letter to the era that shaped them, yet it never veers into imitation, further cementing FLO’s ability to strike that delicate balance between homage and originality.
As the album draws to a close, FLO takes a daring turn with ‘I’m Just a Girl’. Here, the group adopts alter egos to confront the British music industry and its mistreatment of Black women, particularly within the R&B genre. It’s a powerful closing statement, as they unapologetically refuse to accept the industry’s outdated standards and set the stage for a new era of representation and artistry.
With this debut, FLO bravely paves their path in the contemporary R&B space, delivering a project that signals the start of their journey toward greatness.
Adding to the excitement, FLO has released an “Unlocked” version of the album, featuring remixes from Kehlani, Bree Runway, and Chloe x Halle.
Kicking off their AAA tour in February 2025, fans can trust the trio to infuse this album with even more energy and passion through their live performances. You can find tickets here
