Reviewed by Tony Cummings

When Cross Rhythms reviewed the original version of this 2011 album we called it "a tremendous debut" and as it has clocked up half a million sales clearly Joe Public agrees. Now, as is the habit of record companies these days, the hit album has been re-released in a Deluxe Edition (which in this case means five additional tracks). Although these new recordings don't quite reach the classic levels of "Glitter & Gold" and "Nothing's Real But Love" there are still indications that the Liverpudlian songstress is one of the brightest talents to emerge in Britain's pop and R&B scene for years. The current chart hit "Backtrack" is a finger-snapping goody with a bit of the old Motown groove about it while "Good Days Bad Days" is a wistful soul pop number. Equally impressive is her version of Aqualungs' "Strange & Beautiful (I'll Put A Spell On You)" which she performed during her UK tour. Less successful is the big orchestral ballad "I'll Count The Days". All in all though, the repackaging succeeds as a further enticement to shell out on a gem of modern R&B.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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