Review

LUMIDEE: UNEXPECTED

She was 'Almost Famous' until she got struck by the one-hit wonder bug which went on to silence her for four years.

Lumidee had it all; the summer smash, the popularity, and all the connections she could ever dream of, and then “poof” she disappeared off the radar. Back for a second bite at the cherry, Lumidee releases ‘Unexpected’ through her new label TVT (Teedra Moses, Lil Jon) and the result shows a great deal more promise than her debut LP.

A potentially big single comes in the form of ‘She’s Like The Wind’, featuring Terror Squad crooner Tony Sunshine, and, yes, it is a reworking of the Patrick Swayze ‘Dirty Dancing’ song. ‘Stuck On You’ is an emotionally-pleasing cut, backed with a beautiful Spanish guitar, and proves that Lumidee means business. ‘Crazy’ plays like a seductive roller-coaster ride that could give even Beyoncé a serious run for her money, and there are even a few reggae-inspired joints (‘Cute Boy’ and ‘Feelin’ Like Makin’ Love’) for those feeling the Caribbean flavour. With a strong cast, including Snoop Dogg, Shaggy and Jim Jones, featuring on the album and a wide range of styles for listeners of all kinds, this LP just might put Lumidee back in the spotlight.
Words Will Lavin