1980
The first song from Estelle is a narrative on her childhood. It's rap song documenting how she grew up that uses comedy to deal to describe the hardship she faced. Almost orchestral in places coupled with what could be likened to the Thomas The Tank Engine theme, the tune has a a catchy chorus and Estelle is off to a flyer.
Don't Talk
The second cut has a harder sound and a rap from an uncredited artist before the already distinctive tone of Estelle picks up the baton and runs into a sung chorus. Reminiscent of Lisa Left Eye Lopes' Block Party at times, this is another good track.
Dance Bitch
Estelle sings as good as she raps and this up tempo track has her edgy vocals all over it. Estelle is on backing duties in the verse too and the result sounds somewhat gospel. After yet another catchy chorus, the second verse is rapped.
Change Is Coming
If you love your bass heavy, you will love this song. Rapped verses give way to a bouncy, gospel-esque chorus and the song ticks along nicely all the way through.
Go Gone
Released as the final single from the album, this is a sung track. It has a bit of a Mowtown vibe and the lyric is what Estelle has to say to haters out there. 'If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all'.
Free feat. Megaman from So Solid
Estelle's debut single came with a video filled with UK talent: The Bedingfields, Beverley Knight to name but a few. The fastest rap known to man kicks of proceedings and breaks down into a sung chorus that, once again, will have you singing along and putting your fists in the air just like in the video. The second rap comes from Megaman, who I would be happy to hear more from. The song instructs the listener to be true to themselves and is a highlight on the album.
I Wanna Love You
A slower groove that the previous tracks has Estelle singing over an acoustic guitar, hand claps and a simple drum beat. It's easy on the ear but not a stand out track.
Maybe
Strings and a piano give this song a haunting sound, echoed in Estelle's sung vocals. The tone is dramatically different to all of the previous songs which grabs the listener's attention. The songs deals with falling in love and has some interesting lyrics, rather than the run of the mill metaphors. A soft rap, the first of the kind on the album, complete the package and make this an interesting song.
Crazy
A disjointed introduction that would not sound out of place on a Lisa Maffia record gets itself another sung vocal. The result is a little clumsy, which could be interpreted as supporting the title of the song but more often than not has me skipping this. Usually by the time that the screams start.
Hey Girl
This could easily be a John Legend track. The man himself puts in an appearance that is only credited on the inside track notes, not on the sleeve. It is a smooth, slow jam with an excellent sample of 'So Your Love Finally Ran Out For Me' by Les McCann. It has both sung and rapped vocals by Estelle as well as another uncredited performance by the rapper from Don't Talk.
All Over Again feat. Royston
Estelle narrates over the electric guitar introduction which takes us into a mid tempo track that will have you nodding your head, clapping your hands and getting up out of your seat. The chorus is beautiful. Something special happens when Estelle harmonises her own vocal and Royston has a voice that is every bit as smooth as D'Angelo. Another definite highlight and, dare I say it, better than the previous John Legend collaboration. Estelle's rap could have been saved for a different song but just as you start do wonder what it is doing there, the chorus comes back, along with the smile on your face as you pick up the groove once more.
Dance With Me
Estelle says it herself, this is Old School and has a similar sound to the previous track. The vocal is the best on the album and this is my favourite song; the one to download even if the rest of the album does not have you convinced. The harmonies are all bang on and it is very hard to sit still with this on and not be reaching for the remote to turn it up.
On And On
Tradewinds by Hak Ritson is sampled and given the Alvin and the Chipmunks treatment that we have Akon to blame for with the awful 'Lonely'. If you can get over that, something with which I have a certain degree of difficulty, the rapped verses lead into another sound chorus. Not bad by any means.
I'm Gonna Win
The introduction sounds like it could be used as a theme tune to the Oscars. It is all drum rolls and strings, strings that are found all over the song. Another narrative on Estelle's life and how she got to the position in which she found herself: releasing her debut album and later going on to win the Best UK Newcomer at the Mobo Awards for her efforts. It is sung rather than rapped and is the perfect end to the album.
With her debut album, Estelle drew the attention of some of the big names in Rn'B and Soul and found herself signing to John Legend's label for her second release, 'Shine' that sees collaborations with not only Mr. Legend but also Will.i.am, Cee-Lo and Kayne West, amongst others. That should tell you that this is more than worth a listen. Estelle establishes her own sound in a genre that far too often churns out song after song that sound exactly the same. This comes recommended.
Estelle's Official Website: www.estellemusic.com
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