Alicia Keys - The Element of Freedom
Ever since New Yorker Alicia Keys sang the opening bar of Fallin’ in 2001, she has cap-tivated fans of soul and R’n’B. So now eight years on since her debut album Songs In A Minor, the singer-pianist is now a global super-star. This album highlights just why. Her vocal ability, as shown on Love Is Blind and Un-Think-able (I’m Ready), continues to impress. She’s willing to embrace other genres, and Wait Till You See My Smile sees Keys experiment with electro pop. This album might not have the catchy hooks of her debut album, but her ability as a musician continues to shine.
Rating: 7/10
Various Artists – Reggae Roast Presents Roots Rising
Since its inception in 2007, Reggae Roast has grown to become one of the country’s most popular reggae club nights, and this release sees it branch out into the recording industry. Resident DJs Excel and Moodie have brought along the cream of British dancehall talent, with the likes of Overproof Soundsystem, Mungo’s Hifi and Dub Terror all laying down tracks. While the CD offers an insight into a vibrant British scene, this is certainly not one for the masses. But if want something to brighten up grey winter days, this will certainly do.
Rating: 6/10
Various Artists -
Nowhere Boy OST
The songs chosen to make up the soundtrack to Sam Taylor-Wood’s biopic deftly chart John Lennon’s formative years. The collection includes rockabilly classics from Elvis Presley and gravel-voiced Wanda Jackson, and the twisted snarls of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ version of I Put A Spell On You. There’s also a nod to Lennon’s first band The Quarrymen, with several of the band’s hits recorded by the film’s actors. The inclusion of Lennon’s Mother ends the soundtrack. As an added extra, the second CD is made up of other songs of the era. In sleeve notes, the film-makers offer their thoughts on each song.
Rating: 8/10
Codeine Velvet Club – Codeine Velvet Club
Fratellis frontman Jon Lawler has teamed up with Lou Hickey to produce this 1960s-inspired pop with sugary girl-boy vocals. It couldn’t be more different to the sound of the Fratellis. With this in mind, the album is a success. It would have been easy for Lawler to have a side project that was no different to his Chelsea Dagger-singing day job. But glamorous-sounding opener Hollywood, with its soaring strings, is a powerful number and sets the tone for the rest of the album. Vanity Kills, Like A Full Moon and Little Sister are also great tracks.
Rating: 8/10
Leddra
Chapman – Telling Tales
The latest in a line of acoustic-folk pop female singers is Leddra Chapman of Essex. With well-pronounced lyrics, Chapman sounds like a relaxed Tori Amos. Her debut album is relatively middle- of-the-road, but likeable all the same. With a great tone, her vocals support the simple acoustic instrumentation. A Little Easier highlights this, covering a couple of octaves throughout the song. The track probably won’t set the world alight, but it will make a nice listen on the way to work in the morning. The rest of the album follows a similar vein … a good first effort.
Rating: 7/10
Hue And Cry - Xmasday
Eighties pop duo Hue And Cry returned to the music industry after an appearance on ITV competition show Hit Me Baby One More Time in 2005. Now they’ve released their very own Christmas album. It’s a difficult listen. Easy listening crossed with jazz, it’s like seeing singers who no-one is listening to on a ferry crossing. Out of pity, you almost feel obliged to listen to them. Almost. This album is a tad too cheesy for it to be enjoyable, but too predictable for it to have novelty factor. Opening with Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, the Cuban-style backing sounds odd. They do mix up Christmas classics with their own songs, including Players of Games (probably the best song on the album), White City and Spinning Top, but the album lacks power.
Rating: 2/10
