Nine albums down the line, Beth Nielsen Chapman has yet to chalk up a single Billboard hit, yet alone a British Top 20 placing. Considering the number and sheer quality of the songs the Texan has written for rather more celebrated others, this fact is astonishing.
It's not as if she hasn't got the pipes. Chapman has the most engaging warm voice, and her band is on a par with Nashville's finest.
Proving you should never judge an album by its cover, here is a treasure trove of astute, intelligent songs, which could only originate from a survivor of life's many trials. She has come through both breast cancer and a brain tumour, which have enriched her spiritually… Read more
It's very nice to have Joan back! Since her 1972 debut, St Kitts-born and Birmingham-raised Joan Armatrading has been a beacon for integrity and musical excellence. Breakthrough hits such as the classics "Love And Affection", "Temptation", "I'm Lucky", "The Weakness In Me", "Drop The Pilot", "Rosie" brought her mainstream success, but Joan's lesser-selling records have been just as good. So many years in and out of the spotlight haven't dimmed Joan Armatrading's ardour, spirit or defiance. It's difficult to categorise Joan Armatrading: she has been around for nearly four decades now and is moving well inside national treasure territory with this new album of rock-tinged,… Read more
Amy Macdonald has been strumming her acoustic guitar since her dad introduced her to the instrument when she was just twelve. She began writing her own songs and began performing to busy crowds in small venues in her home town of Glasgow. The Glaswegian singer-songwriter's debut "This Is the Life" (2007) sold over three million copies and went to number one in five countries. Self-taught and inspired by the band Travis she's now back with an energetic album that will please her fans both here and in Europe, where she's even bigger. Paul Weller lends a hand, in his own studio, where this album was recorded. The first single "Don't Tell Me That It's Over" sets a furious pace… Read more
