Album Review: Helen Love – Ahead Of The Race
Helen Love’s 1995 debut album Ahead Of The Race is a scrappy, infectious burst of UK indie energy that still feels like a fizzy sugar rush decades later. Released on the Damaged Goods label, this record dives headfirst into a mix of Pop Punk, Indie Rock, and Alternative/Indie Rock with just enough attitude to keep things fresh. It’s not perfect—some tracks feel raw to the point of being unpolished—but that’s part of its charm.
The opening title track, “Ahead Of The Race,” kicks things off with a punchy guitar riff and Helen’s unmistakable vocals. There’s something about the way she belts out lyrics like they’re both a battle cry and a party invite. You can tell this isn’t some big-budget production; it’s real, DIY rock ‘n’ roll made for sweaty gigs in small venues. And honestly? That makes it stick. The song repeats its name twice in the tracklist (a quirky little mistake or intentional move?), but hey, if you’re gonna double down on anything, why not make it the anthem?
Then there’s “Diet Coke Girl,” which might be my favorite cut here. It’s catchy as hell, packed with sing-along hooks and a playful nod to consumer culture. Lines like these get stuck in your head—not because they’re poetic masterpieces, but because they’re fun, relatable, and delivered with zero pretense. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider trying to fit in while sipping cheap soda, this one hits different.
Other tracks like “Rollercoasting” round out the album nicely, though they don’t leave quite the same impression. Still, the whole thing zips by in under 30 minutes, leaving you wanting more rather than less—a rare feat for albums from the mid-’90s.
Looking back, Ahead Of The Race is a snapshot of a time when indie bands weren’t chasing Spotify streams or TikTok virality. They were just making music because they had something to say—or maybe nothing at all—and that was okay. Listening now feels like finding an old mixtape in the bottom of a drawer: nostalgic, imperfect, but kinda magical anyway.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: I bet Helen Love would’ve killed it on early morning TV shows back in the day. Imagine her performing “Diet Coke Girl” live while sipping an actual Diet Coke. Iconic, right?
