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Review: Jack Foley
THE urban R&B scene is proving to be a fertile breeding ground
for hot new young talent at the moment, it would seeem, if the
success of Joss Stone and now Keisha White is anything to go by.
White, at just 18, is the latest UK artist to make an impression,
following the success of recent single, Don't Care Who Knows,
which featured a guest appearance by US rapper, Cassidy.
But 2004 also proved a strong year for her, given that she was
nominated for an Urban Music Award (Best R&B Act), and toured
with the likes of Black Eyed Peas, Jamelia and Lemar.
A cameo in Halle Berry's ill-fated Catwoman movie may not rate
that highly on her CV, but at least she can say she's had a taste
of Hollywood at the tender age of 18.
And the trip provided her with the opportunity to meet Cassidy,
whose contribution to Don't Care Who Knows helps to add
some serious credibility to an already eye-catching single.
Debut album, Seventeen, is therefore a good opportunity
to see whether the hype surrounding Ms White is justified.
It certainly boasts some impressive credentials, given that renowned
producer, Scott Storch (Dr Dre and Christine Aguilera), and writer,
Balewa Muhammad (Whitney Houston) are among those to have contributed.
And it does herald the arrival of an exciting new talent on the
R&B scene - someone who, by her own admission, would rather
let her voice do the talking rather than anything manufactured.
Indeed, vocally is where the album scores most emphatically,
combining elements of former R&B and soul divas such as Whitney
Houston, Macy Gray, Aretha Franklin, Aaliyah and Anita Baker to
impressive effect.
Album opener, Seventeen, for example, screams out with
the sassy, urban gritty style of Macy Gray, while slower, ballad
numbers such as Why recall memories of Whitney and Aaliyah.
In truth, some of the tracks sound a little too generic for their
own good, such as Why, which could have come from any number of
current urban artists.
But there is plenty to ensure that the album registers strongly
enough for White to forge her own identity on the R&B scene.
Highlights therefore include the up-tempo dancefloor filler,
No Wall Flower, which recalls a Motown-style feelgood
vibe; the sweet What's On Your Mind; and the vocally
strong Don't Fool A Woman In Love.
My personal favourite, however, is I've Got Love, her
duet with Bob Marley, which emerges as an infectious, melody-driven,
R&B/reggae crossover that really ought to put a smile on your
face.
Talking about her album, Keisha insists: "I want help bring
back something that has been almost lost for so long - great singing,
live instrumentation and first-rate songs."
With Seventeen, White goes some way to achieving that
aim.
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Track listing:
1. Seventeen
2. Don't Care Who Knows [Album Mix Feat. Cassidy]
3. Open Like So
4. Don't Fool A Woman In Love
5. Brother
6. Spent Money
7. The Weakness In Me
8. No Wallflower
9. Why
10. What's On Your Mind
11. Complicated Emotions
12. What Makes You Think
13. One Step At A Time
14. I've Got Love
15. Don't Care Who Knows [Original Version]
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