NICOLA Sturgeon, the SNP, childbirth trauma, motherhood, body issues, love lost: Paloma Faith delivers a hearty sermon and debate-worthy show at the SSE Hydro as she stops off in Glasgow as part of a huge UK-wide arena tour.

“I’ve always been happy the further north I go, especially in Glasgow. I’ve always had your support,” she swoons, successfully buttering up the audience.

Atop a huge iceberg-esque setup on the stage, instantly, the show has a political feel. Is she hinting at the effects of climate change? Or is she using it as a mountain from which Mother Nature Paloma is to preach to humanity, spreading her new message of peace and hope?

After a stumbling descent down the never-ending staircase onto the stage floor, it’s down to business. “I said something a bit divisive in Aberdeen last night - and I don’t know if I should say it to you guys, but I will. I love Nicola Sturgeon.”

Instantly, the audience whoops and cheers as a bemused Paloma stands, taken aback.

“Am I in the right city?”

The cheers continue.

“I’d vote SNP in England if I could.”

More cheers.

Steering away from politics - for now - attention is turned to latest record The Architect which saw the singer claim her first UK number one in the album charts back in November.

While the music is classic Paloma - with sweeping orchestral tracks, smooth soul, sleek disco grooves and stomping electro pop - the lyrics raise social and political questions, covering powerful and topical themes with social anxiety, wealth inequality, technology’s impact on feelings of alienation, the future of the Western world, Donald Trump, Brexit and the refugee crisis all on the bill.

After a frank talk about the recent trauma of childbirth, “a massive strain men will never endure,” she dives into My Body. “I gained three stone while pregnant. I lost some, but I kept some as a souvenir,” she laughs.

Battering through the album, it’s title track The Architect, while Guilty reflects on the Brexit vote from the perspective of a Leave voter who regrets their choice.

Warrior, written by Sia, interprets to be about the refugee crisis, while a duet with John Legend, I’ll Be Gentle, not a personal favourite before tonight, is very well sung with a silky-voiced band member.

Kings and Queens gives an insight into the time a 13-year-old Paloma fell for the dreadlocked, bad boy of town. Powerful number WW3 gets the singer going. “We’re in denial that we’re in World War Three. This is what happens when we elect the wrong people. Trump.” That last word sees a smattering of boos across the venue.

The pinnacle of the night comes when the Hackney girl pours her everything into the soulfully heartbreaking Just Be from 2012 album Fall to Grace. Draped over a grand piano, she curls into the fetal position, eyes closed as she sings about the ups and downs of everyday relationships. The audience whoops, cheers, eventually giggling, during a prolonged silence as Paloma is snapped back into reality. Smirking, she gives one look, playfully telling the audience off for breaking her streak. Only in Glasgow.

I was lucky enough to have caught Paloma the last time she visited the city at the much smaller venue next door, the Clyde Auditorium, when she told off stewards for making the audience stay seated when they so clearly wanted to get up and get lost in the music.

Tonight is no different. Having come a long way since then, she playfully goads staff, telling the crowd, “Oh, you lot will be dancing by the end.” And dance they do as she belts out former hits Can’t Rely on You, Picking up the Pieces, the fantastic Changing featuring Sigma, before winding down with huge favourite Only Love Can Hurt Like This. Disappointingly, no sign of New York, her fourth most successful single to date.

Weaving her way through the audience, she makes her way back onto the stage. “I sing a lot better when I get applause.” Naturally, we all get to our feet and roar before she moves onto final message Love Me as I Am.

It’s a night of no costume changes and a basic set, but Paloma’s effortless vocals, high energy, brilliant sense of humour, confidence, very much political mindset, and ever-growing maturity - along with that cheeky streak - ensures she has very much made her mark with this tour.

Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Paloma Faith moves onto Manchester Arena on March 8. Head to gigsandtours.com for tickets.

Also, visit palomafaith.com/tour to see the full schedule of dates.