Ivy to Roses cover

Ivy to Roses

Mabel · 2017

37 min · 13 tracks · pop music

Mabel's debut blooms with vibrant pop melodies and infectious hooks, blending contemporary R&B influences with relatable lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Finders Keepers — This track showcases Mabel's signature blend of catchy melodies and confident lyrics, presenting a narrative of empowerment in romantic pursuits.
  • →
    Ivy — A standout moment on the album, this song explores themes of love and longing through evocative imagery and a lush production style.
  • →
    Low Key — With its laid-back vibe and clever wordplay, this track exemplifies Mabel's ability to merge contemporary sounds with relatable storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid pop craftsmanship with relatable themes but lacks a strong cohesive arc.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that shift the overall mood.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the pop appeal.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • catchy hooks for sing-along moments
  • vibrant energy for social settings
  • personal themes that resonate deeply
  • wave-like pacing keeps engagement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • dislike cohesive listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
When Ivy to Roses was released in January 2017, Mabel was a rising star in the UK pop scene, having gained attention with her singles 'Finders Keepers' and 'My Lover'. This album marked her official debut, solidifying her presence after several successful collaborations and establishing a unique sound that combined pop and R&B elements.
Stylistic neighbors
Dua Lipa· Charli XCX· Tove Lo

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Ivy

    The bridge shifts from reflecting on past relationships to expressing newfound strength and independence.

    This transition marks a pivotal moment where vulnerability transforms into self-empowerment, reinforcing the album's thematic depth.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 One Shot 3:52
  • 2 Fine Line
  • 3 Finders Keepers 4:29
  • 4 My Lover (remix)
  • 5 Ring Ring
  • 6 Ivy 3:30
  • 7 Come Over 4:14
  • 8 Begging 3:18
  • 9 Low Key 3:49
  • 10 Passionfruit 3:02
  • 11 Roses 3:50
  • 12 Weapon 3:04
  • 13 Finders Keepers (remix) 4:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata