Colin 
Lucy Crisp begins 2026 with ‘Snakes and Ladders’, a dance pop single that turns the unpredictable nature of life into a bold statement about resilience and self belief. The Nottingham based artist frames her journey through the familiar board game metaphor, where each move can lead either to progress or setback.
The track introduces its sound with a synth driven melodic riff before settling into sleek electronic production. From there, the song blends pop hooks with rhythmic energy, creating a confident foundation for Lucy’s message about perseverance and ambition.
At the centre of the track sits a simple idea. Life often unfolds like a game of snakes and ladders. Some moments push you forward while others pull you back. Lucy uses that concept to reflect on the twists that shape both personal experiences and a career in music.
For Lucy, the song also reflects a shift in confidence. Over the past year she has grown more assured in guiding her own narrative as an artist. Rather than waiting for approval from outside voices, she focuses on making creative decisions on her own terms.
That change in outlook shapes the tone of ‘Snakes and Ladders’. The lyrics focus on persistence and the determination to keep climbing even when setbacks appear. Meanwhile the polished dance pop production keeps the atmosphere energetic rather than reflective.
Lucy co produced the track alongside Isaac Ashby, bringing together crisp electronic textures and strong melodic structure. The result sits comfortably within modern pop while maintaining the personal storytelling that runs throughout Lucy’s songwriting.
The title itself may already sound familiar to some listeners. Lucy originally teased the phrase during a live performance of ‘Maze in A Maze’ at Maze52 in Derby. That early hint now evolves into a full single that marks a confident moment in her catalogue.
Building momentum and confidence
Lucy’s journey as a songwriter has steadily gathered momentum over the past few years. Born in Derby and now based in Nottingham, she has developed a pop style that blends confessional writing with striking electronic production.
Her music often moves between vulnerability and defiance. Some songs lean into personal reflection while others emphasise strength and determination. That contrast gives her catalogue a sense of emotional honesty without losing its pop identity.
Influences such as JADE, Imogen Heap, Robyn and Lorde shape parts of her sonic direction. Their approach to electronic pop and expressive songwriting echoes through Lucy’s own work, particularly in the balance between melody and storytelling.
A major step arrived in 2023 with the release of Lucy’s debut EP 65 Roses. The project explored her life with cystic fibrosis and encouraged conversations around hidden disabilities and mental health. Through that release Lucy showed how pop songwriting can carry personal meaning while remaining accessible.
Opportunities have continued to follow. One highlight includes performing for Ned Music Monday, a showcase curated by BBC Radio 1 presenter Jodie Bryant. Moments like that point toward growing recognition around Lucy’s music and stage presence.
As her catalogue expands, Lucy continues to focus on songs that reflect both experience and optimism. ‘Snakes and Ladders’ captures that mindset clearly. The track acknowledges the unpredictable nature of life while emphasising the determination to keep climbing.
Review
The strength of ‘Snakes and Ladders’ lies in the clarity of its message. Lucy Crisp centres the song around a simple metaphor that listeners recognise instantly. Life moves forward through climbs and setbacks, and the track embraces that idea without overcomplicating it.
The dance pop production gives the song a confident pulse. Electronic textures and a steady rhythm support Lucy’s vocal delivery, which keeps the focus on resilience and self direction. Her performance reflects the growing assurance described in the song’s theme.
What makes the single stand out involves its sense of purpose. Lucy presents the track as a moment of personal progress rather than reflection on past struggles. That forward looking attitude gives ‘Snakes and Ladders’ an uplifting energy that fits naturally within modern pop.
You can pre-save ‘Snakes and Ladders’ here ahead of its release on 27th March and you can follow Lucy Crisp over on Instagram.