London-based rising star Allegra is stepping into a new phase of her career with the release of “Strangers,” the lead single from her debut EP Unsent Love Letters Vol. 1. Allegra first made waves in the dance music scene with her collaboration with Tiësto on a remix of “Round & Round,” which secured her a #1 hit on the Music Week Commercial Pop Chart. Following the success of her collaboration with DJ Alok on “Love You Right Back,” Allegra’s latest work reveals a more personal and reflective side, transitioning from the energetic dance anthems she is known for into a more introspective and emotive pop sound.
“Strangers,” released on August 30th, presents a heartfelt exploration of the emotional aftermath of a broken relationship. The track reveals Allegra’s vulnerability, encapsulating the painful wish that the relationship had never happened and longing for a return to being strangers. A departure from her dance-pop hits, this song signals a shift toward a deeper, more intimate narrative, marking Allegra’s evolution as an artist. With the production of Tim Gosden, who also helmed the entire EP, “Strangers” delivers a polished blend of melancholy and empowerment, setting the stage for what is to come in the rest of the project.
The accompanying music video, shot in Allegra’s hometown of London, further enhances the emotional depth of the track. Allegra describes the video as a visual representation of her breakup journey, showcasing her walking through the city, reflecting on the relationship, and ultimately feeling empowered by the end of it. The video’s playful yet poignant tone complements the song’s message, making “Strangers” not just a song but a visual and emotional experience.
The Unsent Love Letters Vol. 1 EP, unearths hidden love letters from the different stages of a breakup, touching on the heartbreak, reflection, and eventual empowerment that follows the end of a relationship. Speaking about the EP, Allegra shared, “Each song is an unsent love letter with a different storyline. It goes from heartbreak, to going through the process of a breakup, to realizing I’m a boss ass woman! But the EP is raw and vulnerable.” This personal approach gives the EP a diary-like quality, revealing Allegra’s innermost thoughts while also delivering universal themes of self-love and resilience.
Tracks like “Upgraded” and “Refund” further expand on these themes. “Upgraded” captures the bittersweet realization that Allegra is better off after the breakup, with melancholic yet uplifting lyrics accompanied by ethereal piano and subtle production. In “Refund,” Allegra channels a bolder energy, proclaiming her self-worth after the pain of heartbreak. With arpeggiating synths and a hypnotic rhythm, the track’s empowering message is bound to resonate with listeners, especially women who have gone through similar experiences.
Closing the EP, “Rain” marks Allegra’s final stage of moving on, embracing her newfound freedom with an enchanting electronic sound that evokes artists like Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, and Mimi Webb. With its infectious melody and confident tone, “Rain” serves as the perfect bookend to the EP’s emotional journey.
Allegra’s collaboration with producer Tim Gosden continues to yield impressive results, with his work bringing a cohesive sound to the EP while allowing Allegra’s raw emotions to shine through. Known for his work with Tiësto, Alok, and Becky Smith, Gosden’s production adds a layer of polish to Allegra’s emotive storytelling, creating a project that feels both intimate and universally appealing.
Since her debut, Allegra has established herself as a force in the UK’s pop scene. Her breakout single “All About Us” reached #2 on the UK’s Music Week Commercial Pop Club Chart in 2021, and she has consistently followed that success with a string of chart-topping hits. Now, with Unsent Love Letters Vol. 1, Allegra is showing a different side of herself—one that is unafraid to dive into the complexities of love and heartbreak while also celebrating the strength that comes from personal growth.
As she continues to rise, Allegra’s ability to seamlessly blend dance-pop and emotive storytelling ensures that she will continue to captivate audiences both on and off the dance floor. With “Strangers” and the upcoming EP, she not only steps into a more personal chapter but also solidifies her place as a versatile and relatable artist on the UK pop music landscape.