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Editorial Review:
Rockferry, the Welsh singer's lovingly constructed debut album, has already succeeded beyond expectations, and although Duffy may not quite be the ingénue portrayed by a clever press campaign (she nearly won a local television talent show a few years back while a single credited to Aimee Duffy is still available on iTunes) she is surely the most appealing of the current flood of young soul sirens. The astonishing title track, co-written by Bernard Butler, sounded like a lost transmission that had taken decades to get through as soon as it hit radio last year. But the gently rolling soul ballad "Stepping Stone", that strapping, inescapable monster hit "Mercy", the ice cool "Serious" (the one time she really does channel the spirit of Dusty Springfield) and the wistful, elegant "Warwick Avenue" are similarly effective. Suggestions by some that Rockferry is little more than sixties pastiche are churlish. Butler's previous work with David McAlmont (featured here as a backing singer) showed his skill at writing and arranging the dramatic, while her other collaborators such as Steve Booker and the team of Jimmy Hogarth and Eg White are hardly lightweights. But despite some wonderful orchestral settings, it's Duffy's terrific voice that makes this so satisfying, even overpowering Butler's exquisitely underplayed guitar work on "Rockferry" itself. Growling the blues on "Syrup & Honey" or belting it out over his lovingly arranged wall of sound on "Distant Dreamer", she sets the tone throughout, several of her songs dealing with escape, both physical and romantic. The sound of someone singing herself to stardom, Rockferry is at times genuinely amazing. Steve Jelbert
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Forget comparisons As a passionate blues supporter I need to inform the uninformed that blues is where all popular music originated. No matter what syle it has evolved into. While I agree that Duffy has a voice and style that is equal to Dusty, Lulu, Dionne, Aretha and the great Annie, she is quite definitely a unique performer in her own right.
In years gone by Alberta Hunter, Ida Cox, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Sippie Wallace, Victoria Spivey and many other female singers all managed to have successful careers singing... more info
Stunning vinyl LP With sounds reminiscent of Lulu, Dusty Springfield and Brenda Lee, this LP is quite simply stunning. If however you are expecting everything to sound like Mercy, forget it. This is true quality...!
The Perfect Album Not one bad song! A beautiful album with a perfect blend of upbeat, feel-good songs complimented with easy-going, relaxing ones.
Well suited for any situation, from driving to sleeping.
This album reaches out to all audiences from young children right the way up to those over 80, and everyone in between.
Simply Stunning You will be playing this album throughout the Summer and probably beyond. Its quite simply a stunning work, that is destined to become a classic.
Duffy's voice is completely captivating and Bernard Butler's co-writing & production shine through in this very mature work. Yes, it has huge 60's overtones. Yes, it sounds like Nora Jones signing Dusty Springfield. But that's the point. This is a homage to all that was good about 60's soul. And to call it `new-Amy', is unfair to Duffy. This... more info
