British R&B/pop singer Jamelia is completely unknown in the United States. It’s too bad, because her third album, Walk With Me, is a pop triumph. Since her 2000 R&B drama, which sounded just like any other R&B album of its time, this singer has strengthened her voice, widened her range, and blossoms into a true pop diva with this album. Unlike most contemporary US R&B, which has almost completely rejected the concept of melody in favor of crunk and Timbaland-style beats, Walk With Me shines with hit after hit of memorable pop, paving the way for the impending (we all know it’s coming) ‘90s revival. The sounds of ‘90s R&B greats like En Vogue, TLC, and Jade permeate the songs here, bringing back memories of when R&B-styled pop was more fun and more memorable.
First track and lead single “Something About You” sparkles with an effective blend of quieter R&B keyboard-driven verses and raucous electric-guitar backed choruses, in effect combining the best of Rihanna and Kelly Clarkson. The next two cuts, “Do Me Right” and “Window Shopping” derive more from contemporary R&B and dance, but don’t sacrifice the melody. The former has a sharp bass beat and a vaguely Middle Eastern sound, while the latter packs in attitude with its manhunting as shopping metaphor and breathy “uh uh uh uh” refrain.
Most of the album’s uptempo numbers are its greatest strength, like “Ain’t a Love,” which obviously borrows liberally from Jade’s ‘90s R&B/pop hit “Don’t Walk Away.” “Get Up Get Out” opens with cool electronically sampled strings and then kicks in with a sharp bass beat—a great R&B/dance pop track. Upcoming single “Beware of the Dog” takes a cue from Rihanna’s successful “SOS” by liberally sampling Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” while amping up the dance beats. Unlike Rihanna, however, Jamelia can really sing and really goes for it here. Another of the album’s triumphant moments.
The slower tracks are more of a mixed bag. Two of them in particular, the harpsichord-backed “No More” and very UK-ish sounding “Got It So Good” would both sound great on the radio, particularly the latter, which would sound so at home on Capital FM during the upcoming holidays. “La La Love” has a darker edge, like something the Sugababes would put out. While none of the album’s songs are bad, the weakest points are the album’s other two slower tracks, “Know My Name,” which has an annoyed rap chorus, and “Go,” which features a high-quality production, but is kind of a dull song.
This album is a pop gem, and surprisingly so, just like last year’s Rachel Stevens album. Here’s to hoping it finds a broader audience than that fantastic yet neglected disc did.
2 comments:
This is random, but her album 'thank you' is available on import in most US stores... also superstar was featured in the US movie 'dodgeball', also it was featured in hit tv show 'Queer as Folk' and on the soundtrack itself.. so your statement of saying she is unknown in the US isn't accurate is it?
Good review btw =)
Obviously not completely unknown (since I know about her), but she's never had a proper single that I know of, and certainly not a top 40 hit, so in terms of reaching a mainstream audience she is "unknown" for all intents and purposes.
Post a Comment