2008 Woodie Awards
CD Review: Welsh singer Duffy appeals to old, young in debut album
Marissa Dubay
Issue date: 5/9/08 Section: Opinion
As showcased in her debut release, Rockferry, UK-born Duffy is an old soul in the body of a platinum blonde 23-year-old. Her album can be interpreted as a jazzy, old-fashioned tribute to Motown style, from which it borrows much of its bass lines and other elements from.
Yet Duffy carves out a separate musical path by flirting with string riffs and sassy lyrics. The young rising star is keen on presenting herself as an individual, emphasized by the track "Stepping Stone", an anthem for the strong modern woman with lines like "Take it all or leave me alone…/I'm standing upright on my own."
Another standout track is "Mercy", seemingly directed toward younger generations of listeners with a dance-able hook and accenting background vocals.
Rockferry doesn't skimp on the rainy-day ballads to suit grown-up tastes, but it also has a touch of funky pop to add freshness and balance. Duffy's chill voice is memorable, whether in smooth melismas or spoken word.
The recurrent theme of heartbreak is an endearing classic, although a repetitive one, throughout the album. Nonetheless, Duffy's untamed attitude delivers rich emotions that demand attention like the divas before her time.
Duffy's soulful act might be overshadowed by similar sounds such as Cat Power, Joss Stone, Sara Bareilles, and Amy Winehouse, artists which have already made a significant mark on the music scene. But there's no doubt Rockferry will be in heavy rotation in Starbucks nationwide as soon as it makes its own American debut May 13. Rating: 4/5
Yet Duffy carves out a separate musical path by flirting with string riffs and sassy lyrics. The young rising star is keen on presenting herself as an individual, emphasized by the track "Stepping Stone", an anthem for the strong modern woman with lines like "Take it all or leave me alone…/I'm standing upright on my own."
Another standout track is "Mercy", seemingly directed toward younger generations of listeners with a dance-able hook and accenting background vocals.
Rockferry doesn't skimp on the rainy-day ballads to suit grown-up tastes, but it also has a touch of funky pop to add freshness and balance. Duffy's chill voice is memorable, whether in smooth melismas or spoken word.
The recurrent theme of heartbreak is an endearing classic, although a repetitive one, throughout the album. Nonetheless, Duffy's untamed attitude delivers rich emotions that demand attention like the divas before her time.
Duffy's soulful act might be overshadowed by similar sounds such as Cat Power, Joss Stone, Sara Bareilles, and Amy Winehouse, artists which have already made a significant mark on the music scene. But there's no doubt Rockferry will be in heavy rotation in Starbucks nationwide as soon as it makes its own American debut May 13. Rating: 4/5
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