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Splendid Isolation
  Splendid Isolation  
  Recommended if you like:
- Sharlene Hector
- Kevin Mark Trail
- Mica Paris
 
Review
Sam Moore 'Splendid Isolation' [Moore Music]
 

Sam Moore (not to be confused with one half of Sam and Dave – one of the most successful Rock’n’Roll duos in history) grew up in Manchester, England and released his 13-track debut CD in January 2006 on the Moore music label called “Splendid Isolation”, a Godly title, which you can find out more about, if you buy the CD. Sam has co-written and produced many of the tracks on the CD, along with the production skills of The 99’s and Ibe Otah (Ibe brought us “Love Ya” by Siani). This is a Gospel Soul CD, and the first track “Highway” and last track (re-mixed version) are radio friendly tracks and could do well in the charts. ‘Breathe’, ‘Let Your Light Shine’, and ‘He Won’t Let You Go’ featuring Dee Nyoni, are spiritually charged tunes along with ‘Nothin’ Without You’ and sit snugly on the album. I really enjoyed “Like You”, although the child’s voice could have gone either way for me to begin with, but it worked. The best track for me is the title track ‘Splendid Isolation’ - a spiritually thought provoking tune with acoustic guitar melodies. Probably the simplest tune on the album, but very soothing. Sam seems at ease with this sound and I think it’s where he shines out as an artist, with the song obviously meaning something to him on a personal level. Shame about the fade away ending, could have done with just that little bit more. ‘Holy Ghost’ and ‘Lord I Come’ are uplifting tunes, which blend in beautifully. Sam’s voice reminded me of Smokie Norful meets John Legend and strangely, Neil Sedaka (at times). Sam takes you on a spiritual journey, which he wants everyone to know about. If you like Gospel/Neo Soul, combining church styles with contemporary music, you will like this CD. Whilst I don’t absolutely love every track on the CD, I think it showcases Sam’s vocal abilities well and he can feel proud of his debut.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

Corinne Bailey Rae
  Corinne Bailey Rae  
  Recommended if you like:
- Billy Holliday
- Jack Johnson
- Erykah Badu
 
Review
Corinne Bailey Rae 'Corinne Bailey Rae' [EMI]
 

Corinne’s self-entitled debut CD was released on EMI Records on 27th February 2006, a week earlier than it’s planned launch date, due to the huge demand and pre-release orders. The single ‘Like A Star’ & ‘Put Your Record On’ gaining much radio airplay on mainstream radio. Both tracks are indeed lovely tracks. I was looking forward to reviewing Corinne’s album as this UK based singer sounds refreshingly like she is from the UK, with a child like Billy Holliday sound. ‘Like A Star’ is a good opener. ‘Trouble Sleeping’ and ‘Butterfly’ have an honest innocence about them. From one end of the spectrum, I find Corinne’s voice unique, honest sounding and refreshing, with tracks like ‘Breathless’, ‘Til It Happens To You’ and ‘Call Me When You Get This’ suiting her voice to perfection. ‘I’d Like To’ is an upbeat, funky track, with a touch of vulnerability, again suiting her voice & style. On the other end of the spectrum, her voice tends to sound tired at times and makes it appear difficult in making some songs sound her own. One example of this is ‘Choux Pastry Heart’. This is a good song, but is a little too laid back and Corinne just doesn’t secure the sound the song demands. Whilst listening to the CD, it did make me want to hear more and I look forward to her second CD. The reason being, it could have been a little more raw. It’s good R’n’B, but I would like to have heard more Soul, which I am sure this artist is capable of. It is an enjoyable CD, combining Jazz, R’n’B, Pop and subtle Soul. The songs are short, making you want to hear more, which is a good way to be left when listening to a CD. To summarise, a very nice, laid back album, with room for a bit more Soul.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

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