Estelle released her debut studio album The 18th Day on 18 October 2004 through V2 Records, followed by a re-release 4 April 2005.

Her second studio album Shine was released on 31 March 2008 through Atlantic Records and was preceded by the lead single "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)" in November 2007.

The album's second single, "American Boy", became a number one hit in the UK, as well as reaching the top 10 and receiving platinum status in many countries.

Her song "Conqueror" (originally a duet with Jussie Smollett from the American television show Empire) peaked at number 42 in the United States.

The album also marked a shift in Estelle's musical style from pop, R&B, and hip hop to reggae.