Customer Reviews

brit-pop brilliance - By: , 25 Sep 2001
A new label, a new image, a new sound, & the absence of the name "Stephen." Once again, Duffy is able to keep his listeners on edge by not doing anything remotely expected. Sure, the smooth voice & wonderful melodies are still present, but now Duffy seems influenced by the harder edge of '90s Brit-pop artists such as Blur, Oasis, & the like. Luckily, he is able to make it work. This CD has a harder edge to it, but it is still a treat to the ears. Duffy continues to write topical lyrics, mixing his own personal life ("London Girls") with political commentary ("Ghetto Child"), all set to toe-tapping, guitar driven pop music. Duffy is able to finally show off his electric guitar talents, & this alone is justification for the existence of this CD. He really is a very talented & creative player, mixingin interesting solos, as well wonderful acoustic playing, not too far adrift from his Lilac Time days (just listen to the incredibly, almost heartbreaking "Rachel"). This is a well-crafted album, full of great sounds, & enough surprises & varietyin the pacing of the music to keep the listener hooked. He also uses instruments very well throughout. Caroline Dale deserves special note for her wonderful cello playing on the beautiful "Smitten." The production is crisp & not overdone. Duffy also arranges vocals on this album to both create atmosphere & move the song along. Listen to the vocals of "Ghetto Child," & it is clear that the song is so effective because of the layered vocals. Overall a very good album, much more pleasing than his 1993 release Music In Colors, & one that would please both the casual listener & the fan.