Phoenix

After a six-year gap between albums -- during which time she was involved in a drawn-out legal back-and-forth with her former label -- English-Albanian singer Rita Ora finally issued her sophomore effort, the aptly titled Phoenix. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama that threatened to derail her burgeoning career, Ora maintained public presence with a series of well-performing singles, many of which are included here. Much like contemporary releases from Jess Glynne and Dua Lipa, the strength of Ora's effortless, R&B-inspired vocals carries Phoenix, despite varying musical styles and recording periods, which stretched over two years from 2016 to 2018. As its on-the-nose title suggests, Phoenix is duly triumphant and uplifting with nary a dud to be found on this set. The purest pop moments arrive in the form of the effervescent "Let You Love Me"; the Ed Sheeran-penned "Your Song"; and her chart-topping duet with Liam Payne, "For You," from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack.