Poptastic Confessions!: Rip Up The Rulebook by Betty Boo

Dear Poptastic Readers,

English dance pop rap artist Betty Boo is back with her fourth studio album called Rip Up The Rulebook, which is out less than 2 years after her big comeback album Boomerang. In case you didn’t know, there were 30 years between her second and third album. We are beyond happy that Betty Boo is back offering up new music. If you don't know Betty, check out The Return of Betty Boo in 2022.

This year, Betty released 2 singles prior to the album’s release: “It Was Beautiful” featuring HEX and “One Day.” The singles weren't the bangers we were expecting, but they are quite good. We are very happy to report that the album is full of great dance pop rap music. Normski and Davearama have done a track-by-track review.

All songs are written and produced by Betty Boo (aka Alison Clarkson), Andy Wright, and Gavin Goldberg, except where noted.

1. “Barbarella”

Normski: I love this already! It has such a funky vibe and is very radio-friendly. Definitely one of the more instant songs on the album for me, which is dying to be a single!

Davearama: This midtempo groove is very cool, and it wasn’t the vibe I was expecting for the lead track, but I like it. The sci-fi lyrics tie in with Betty’s space-age theme when she first started. The verses here are faster than the music, which makes it rather hypnotic. I love the French parts in the chorus. Yes, I could see it as a single.

2. “Am I Dreaming?”

D: This takes a bit of a serious turn as it is a song that encourages you get up and keep going. It’s an inspirational song. I loved that she mentions “Thrilla in Manila.”

N: I really like the contrast between the strings in the verses and the stomping beats in the chorus. The lyrics are deep and contemplative, and the arrangement compliments this brilliantly.

3. “It Was Beautiful” featuring HEX. Written by Betty Boo, Andy Wright, Dominic Wright, and Gavin Goldberg.

D: I’ll admit, this was not the banger I was hoping for as the lead single. However, it has grown on me quite a bit and I like it, even though it feels like more HEX than Betty Boo. I wish there was a music video, visualizer, or lyric video for this.

N: I agree – this was a surprising choice of lead single for me, mainly because HEX seems to take more of the lead overall. But Betty’s rap is great, and the song feels very current. I enjoy the production values, too.

4. “Spotlight”

N: This takes us right back to classic Betty – upbeat, fun and catchy. One of my runaway favourites on the album for sure and it needs to be a single! I can just picture The Boo-ettes dancing away with Betty in the video.

D: This party song really picks up the pace with a funky pop jam. Betty shines during the verses, and the chorus is super catchy. This would make a great single.

5. “Rip Up The Rulebook” featuring Grandmaster Caz. Written by Betty Boo, Andy Wright, Curtis Brown, and Gavin Goldberg.

D: Now this is the banger! I absolutely love this. So much fun. Betty sounds fresh and like she is just having so much fun. Grandmaster Caz is a legend in the rap world, and I love what he brings to this song. This would also be a great single.

N: The bangers certainly keep coming on this album. Betty is bursting with attitude in the verses and the chorus raises the roof! Grandmaster Caz’s rap is brilliant too. I’d love to hear this performed live – surely it has to be lined up as a single?

6. “One Day”

N: An uplifting song with some wonderful harmonies and flourishes throughout. Nicely produced and Betty’s vocals particularly shine here.

D: This was the second single and happy pop song. The optimistic lyrics are about rekindling with a former love in the future and being there for them.

7. “Cupcake”

D: This song has a fun vibe! But it is like an interlude as it is only 1-minute long. Seems like it could have been made into a full song.

N: This definitely leaves you wanting more! I really love the vibe of it, but it just ends too quickly for me.

8. “Bring On The Summer”

N: I love this! (Although it seems ironic to be listening to it on a rainy September day. ☹) It has a thumping beat and fabulous, sing-a-long chorus. Definitely one of the dancier tracks on the album… and it also has a fade-out! Such a rarity these days.

D: It’s almost summer where I am! This is another highlight on the album probably because of the faster beat and feel-good vibes. It has heavy synths and a dance beat. Betty’s verses are amazing. This a fun song to get lost in.

9. “Good Night Out”

D: Love this song. This is a harder edge for Betty Boo, but she sounds right at home here. It also sounds like it could be a Girls Aloud song. Fun fact: Betty wrote and produced “Mars Attack” and “Boogie Down Love” on Girls Aloud’s debut album. This is a highlight on the album.

N: There is more fabulous attitude oozing from Betty throughout this song. I’m loving the rocky feel of the chorus. It definitely gives me Girls Aloud vibes – like an early ‘00s girlband classic! Ends with a BOOM! too – what’s not to love?

10. “Heatwave”

N: There’s a great disco vibe to this one. Betty is really keeping the energy going here! The lyrics continue the summery vibe, and I particularly love the line “Like a raspberry slush puppy.”

D: This album is gaining momentum as it goes, and this is another fun upbeat track. Betty is spoiling us. It’s a bit funky and the beat isn’t superfast. There is a part of this song that reminds me of another song: “Turn it up, now turn it up the heat, yeah”, but I can't think of what it is.

11. “Hypnotic”

D: Betty isn’t holding back on this frantic, edgy dance track. Betty proves that she has versatility as no song sounds the same on the album.

N: The intro of this track piques interest from the very start! This is quite a change in style after the more carefree, disco vibe of previous tracks. Betty is certainly giving it her all in this energetic, production-heavy bop!

12. “Days Like These”

N: This is a really strong song with sweet verses and a rousing chorus. I really enjoy the atmospheric production in this too. The perfect song to wrap up yet another excellent album from Betty!

D: Agreed. It is a nice way to close the album on an upbeat song with whispering vocals that start off the track that lead to an uplifting chorus that is meant for belting out.

Overall, this is a fun album. We are wanting to hear it again when we finish it, so that is a good sign. There are some really great songs here, and we hope Betty releases some more singles to highlight these awesome tracks.

The world is better with Betty Boo back in it. We hope she continues to make music because she still has the spark.

Rip Up The Rulebook is available on digital outlets everywhere. Buy your copy today. You can listen to it here on Spotify ...