Walk With Me - Jamelia Album Review

Album Review

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's 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.

Elly Roberts