Album review

Rowetta

Rowetta

added: 5 Sep 2005 // release date: 26 Sep 2005 // label: Gut
reviewer: Martin Drury

2004's 'X Factor' conjured a cacophony of hype across the media spectrum. But the pool of talent soon became exposed as little more than a puddle fed by a drip. The winner- a man poised to adorn every cocktail lounge across the country; polishing the piano with his elbow into old age- was overshadowed by a classical music ensemble that could sing Queen songs quite well but didn't appear to have much of a future once the prospect of new material was mentioned. The fourth runner-up, a young lady known only as 'Rowetta' wowed the X Factor judges and audience alike and here, at last, is her debut album.

Very few albums open with a show-stopping number. In 'Hello Detroit' we are once again introduced to the awesome power of Rowetta's voice. Her vocals are powerful and soft in the same intonation. She blows away the cobwebs and caresses you with the delicateness of chocolate split in two. Rowetta's range is mind-boggling as she leaps from the jazz infused 'Hello Detroit' to the slow, haunting 'The Look of Love' in one single, bounding step along the CD play list. Cover versions on debut albums promote mixed blessings. Joss Stone shot to fame and fortune with a collection of other people's songs. The album was stunning but Joss had been constructed into a jukebox playing other people's songs. Cover versions on debut albums could present the performer with the musical kiss of death. Fortunately, Rowetta has little reason to shiver. She makes each and every song her own, her voice shattering all previously held concepts, releasing the music into her skilled hands to mould as she sees fit.

'Thunder & Lightening' will have you dancing in the aisles, clapping along with the infectious, beautiful rhythm of the night. Rowetta intoxicates your senses in minutes and her debut release is a wild ride through awesome music sketched by a skilled performer finally breaking out of her shell. Rowetta meets the challenges and expectations set by the X Factor public. This debut release has no other title but 'Rowetta'. The album is the business card of a superstar. It is proof positive that this woman is destined for domination of the musical sphere. Rowetta is talented, tenacious and tantalisingly terrific. Louis, Sharon and Simon set out to find a global superstar. Mission accomplished. Welcome Rowetta with open arms. She will never disappoint. Sometimes, stars are not manufactured in recording studios. Sometimes, musical stars are born. One cannot greet Rowetta with criticism or indifference. The only thing one can greet this new musical sensation with is applause.

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