Reviews
URBAN: JANUARY
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TUNE OF THE MONTH
Estelle
Thank You (Atlantic)
Having nailed America with her soulful harmonies, Londoner Estelle is back with a new album, ‘All Of Me’, and a more mature sound. Following on from the first single ‘Back To Love’, a clear step up from her releases of yesteryear, ‘Thank You’ is one for anyone who loves a bit of real Mary or Sade soul. Written by Akon and produced by Jerry Wonder, more like this please.
4/5
Wretch 32 feat Etta Bond
Forgiveness (Todd Edwards Remix) (Levels)
If you want to show these young pups how to do it, simply draw for the Todd Edwards remix. Giving ‘Forgiveness’ that original garage once-over, it’s destined for Ministry dancefloor greatness. But where is Wretch on this, huh? Check the remixes from Hatcha and Manhattan Clique too.
4/5
Boyz II Men
One Up For Love MSM (Music Group)
Yes, your girl’s favourite crooners are back with their 10th studio album, ‘Twenty’. A definite high-light at this year’s MOBO Awards, the trio has roped Babyface in on the production front for ‘One Up For Love’. While it’s hardly groundbreaking (more JLS if anything), if you’re a true r’n’b head you’ll find what you want in this mid-tempo ballad.
3/5
Joe Black feat Squeekz
Usual Suspects (Reallionaire)
One of the most respected wordsmiths among the fresh strain of road rap, Joe Black has notched up over 30,000 downloads on his ‘Reallionaire’ mixtape. The Islington rapper ropes in co-d Squeekz (think Shyne and you’re on right tracks) on this street hitter.
4/5
Russo feat Scrufizzer
Laters (Polydor)
Having been on her grind this last six months, feisty chick Russo follows up the net hit ‘Bad Tonight’ with ‘Laters’. Championed by DJ Target on 1Xtra and given an added boost with a tidy verse from quick-spitter Scrufizzer, this Yo Video production fires in all the right places.
4/5
Mike Delinquent feat KCAT & Donae’o
Out Of Control (Champion)
The resurgence in love for all things UK garage means it’s the perfect time for the Mike Delinquent project. Renowned for his ability to deliver a club-friendly mix, now at the helm he’s roped in vocalist KCAT and funky house king Donae’o. What a shame summer’s over.
3/5
Example
Midnight Run (Flux Pavilion remix) (Levels)
It’s been a good year for Example, with two No.1 singles, a silver album and a sold-out tour. Ending the year with ‘Midnight Run’, it’s more of that rap-electro formula he’s made his own. It’s Flux Pavilion who comes up trumps on the serious remix package with some added bass.
4/5
Bartoven
Gladys (www.bartoven.co.uk)
In response to Kanye & Jay-Z’s ‘Otis’, south London-based rapper, singer and producer Bartoven ropes in the might of a Gladys Knight sample. Using her vocal as the beat as he starts slinging metaphors, Bartoven proves there are non-gun-clapping rappers who can stand tall in the UK.
4/5
Maino feat Lil Wayne
I’m About Cream (Hustle Hard)
The first track from Maino’s new album ‘The Day After Tomorrow’, this isn’t an ad for dairy products – despite the repetition of the word ‘cream’. Maino may have delivered a sterling verse on Sade’s ‘Soldier Of Love’, but this isn’t worth listening to unless you skip to Lil Wayne’s verse.
1/5
