What makes It Takes More by Ms. Dynamite notable?

The single achieved significant commercial success, reaching number five on the UK Singles Chart and receiving critical acclaim for its innovative sound. It also earned Ms. Dynamite a MOBO Award for Best Newcomer, further highlighting her impact on the evolving UK music landscape. Released in January 2002, 'It Takes More' marked Ms. Dynamite's debut single, establishing her presence in the UK music scene after gaining attention with early performances. This track set the foundation for her subsequent album, 'A Little Deeper,' which would solidify her status as a prominent figure in UK garage and grime.

How many songs are on It Takes More?

It Takes More has 3 tracks, running approximately 12 minutes.

It Takes More

Ms. Dynamite · 2002

12 min · 3 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant fusion of UK garage rhythms and R&B melodies, showcasing sharp lyrical prowess over dynamic production.

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Top tracks — play these first

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It Takes More (album version) — This version encapsulates Ms. Dynamite's signature style, blending catchy hooks with socially conscious lyrics that address themes of empowerment and resilience.
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It Takes More (Bloodshy main mix) — The Bloodshy remix elevates the track with an energetic take on its original elements, showcasing the adaptability of Ms. Dynamite's sound across different interpretations.
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It Takes More (Nash Band mix) — This mix offers a fresh perspective on the song, infusing it with a unique beat that emphasizes its danceable qualities while maintaining the core message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 39% of albums we've rated

A pointed lyric and memorable refrain give the song staying power; this edition’s repeated mixes make it a poor-shaped listen as a whole.

What we noticed

The three-track edition repeats the same song in Bloodshy, album and Nash Band versions, so its running time is spent on alternate presentations rather than new material.
The album version sets Ms. Dynamite’s clipped, conversational verses against a more open melodic refrain, with a tight garage pulse underneath.
The lyrics move from personal address toward broader social criticism, while the refrain keeps the track anchored as a song rather than a straight rap performance.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 3/10

Influence 5/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut single that established Ms. Dynamite's presence in the UK music scene.
Career context: Released in January 2002, 'It Takes More' marked Ms. Dynamite's debut single, establishing her presence in the UK music scene after gaining attention with early performances. This track set the foundation for her subsequent album, 'A Little Deeper,' which would solidify her status as a prominent figure in UK garage and grime.
Stylistic neighbors: Lady Leshurr· Shystie· Lethal Bizzle