Elly Roberts reviews
Jamelia: Walk With Me
Distributed by
Parlophone (EMI)
- Released: September 2006
- Rating: 10/10+
Jamelia’s stunning beauty has brought her much media attention.
Behind her catwalk image is a steely determination to be the UK’s best R’n’B
artist; and she’s winning.
This CD will probably consolidate her credentials as a top class performer-singer.
The big bonus is in the credits, where she has written or co-written 11 songs,
thus proving this girl’s got the lot, on top of her gorgeous legs.
Off the radar for a couple of years raising a second child, Jamelia has
re-entered the frame via a dazzling performance at the recent MOBO awards,
a great new single Something About You, a unique mix of soul and rock,
and this album, Walk With Me (entering at number 20, UK chart
w/c 2 Oct). All in all, with exception of a lack-lustre ballad, La La Love,
this is a pretty cool album.
Full of universal pop melodies, she’s got a few contenders for further
radio-friendly singles. Do Me Right, swinging with bristling sitars
and Eastern promise, aided by rapper Afrika Bambaataa, will no doubt be a
dance-floor favourite. Window Shopping falls into the same category.
Her subtle sampling of The Stranglers’ Golden Brown on No More
is inspirational, where she’s added her own lyrics. Chunky-funky Ain’t A Love
is typically rounded with catchy hooks and melodies, and a sensational rhythm
primed to make you dance.
Showing off her range, Go, a lightweight ballad, could be a classy
end of night smoochie – this is her territory to perfection. R’n’B styled
Get Up, Get Out is arguably a kind of low point. Lifting the mood
again, a thumping Beware Of The Dog is another floor-filler in waiting.
Drawing on textbook soul, she gives a masterful vocal performance throughout
Got It So Good – this is the jewel in the crown.
Not content to leave us drooling with that, Hustle, a synth-heavy
and rap textured groover closes a landmark album of the 21st century.
She’s left her calling card … better lookout Beyonce, and anyone else, come
to that.
The full list of tracks included are :
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
