Review

Rebecca Ferguson: Heaven (RCA)

Really well produced album from Liverpool vocalist Rebecca Ferguson and an incredibly solid soulful set of songs too. Having tried for years to become a successful singer, Ferguson can now finally reap the rewards and have a fully-fledged/well earned career in music.

The album “Heaven” starts with her first single release “Nothing Real But Love” couldn’t be truer, as 'nothing' is real but love - well put Rebecca! Not to mention her soul drenched vocals. There’s nothing jazzy about Rebecca, its that good old soul voice reminding one of Macy Gray’s “I Tried," it has that kinda timeless feel and quality to it. Next up is “Glitter & Gold”, in a league of her own, she creates a Dusty Springfield type Nina Simone sound with this one, with an outstanding chorus build up, and this one is straight from her heart and completely impresses the listener.

“Shoulder To Shoulder” has an Adele type sound to it, songs like “Someone Like You” come to mind when listening to “Shoulder To Shoulder”, with beautiful piano playing and string arrangements from the producer. Having spent months in the recording studio Rebecca Ferguson comes up trumps with “Heaven.”

“Fairytale (Let Me Live My Life This Way” is an interesting song title, to say the least, and could quite easily feature a guest appearance from rapper Common as it has that Amy Winehouse/Mark Ronson vibe. However, Rebecca Ferguson is not Amy Winehouse, or Adele, or any other singer compared to in this review she has a unique and distinctive vocal talent, without sounding to contradictory. “Mr. Bright Eyes," great song; leading up to the personal favourite, which is (drum roll) “Fighting Suspicions."

“Teach Me How To Love”, haunting and melodious, she stands out of the crowd with this song. “Run Free” is the least favourite from “Heaven," it’s a bit mish mashy sounding, pop influenced - where as the more soul ballads, and soul songs are much more of a pleasant listen. Thankfully, that isn’t the end of the album, there is two more songs on the leash, “Diamond To Stone” and “Too Good To Lose.” Shirley Bassey comes to mind when listening to these songs. Clearly this big vocal comparisons sound a bit ridiculous as she’s just started but Rebecca Ferguson has that somethin’ somethin’. Well done!
Words MATTHEW DANIEL