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Elly Roberts reviews
Parlophone (EMI)
- Released: September 2006
- Rating: 10/10+
Jamelias stunning beauty has brought her much media attention.
Behind her catwalk image is a steely determination to be the UKs best RnBartist; and shes 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 girls got the lot, on top of her gorgeous legs.
Off the radar for a couple of years raising a second child, Jamelia hasre-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 chartw/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, shes got a few contenders for furtherradio-friendly singles. Do Me Right, swinging with bristling sitarsand Eastern promise, aided by rapper Afrika Bambaataa, will no doubt be adance-floor favourite. Window Shopping falls into the same category.
Her subtle sampling of The Stranglers Golden Brown on No Moreis inspirational, where shes added her own lyrics. Chunky-funky Aint A Loveis typically rounded with catchy hooks and melodies, and a sensational rhythmprimed to make you dance.
Showing off her range, Go, a lightweight ballad, could be a classyend of night smoochie this is her territory to perfection. RnB styledGet Up, Get Out is arguably a kind of low point. Lifting the moodagain, a thumping Beware Of The Dog is another floor-filler in waiting.Drawing on textbook soul, she gives a masterful vocal performance throughoutGot It So Good this is the jewel in the crown.
Not content to leave us drooling with that, Hustle, a synth-heavyand rap textured groover closes a landmark album of the 21st century.
Shes left her calling card better lookout Beyonce, and anyone else, cometo that.
Weblink:jamelia.com
The full list of tracks included are :
1. Something About You
2. Do Me Right
3. Window Shopping
4. Know My Name
5. No More
6. Aint A Love
7. La La Love
8. Go
9. Get Up , Get Out
10. Beware Of The Dog
11. Got It So Good
12. Hustle
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.