Beverley Knight has been pretty popular in the UK, but here in the US she's relatively an unknown...That's too bad because a lotta people have been missing out on this amazing R&B/hip-hop/soul talent. "Affirmation," her latest album, is arguably her best album, even though she distances herself from the realm of R&B/hip-hop. The production on the songs here state that she's more interested in just being free with whatever her music sounds like, which the alternative/acoustic-driven soul numbers do indicate poignantly. Not only that, but the radio friendly sheen and her amazing voice make this an incredible package of great tracks. Here's a track-by-track review of the album:

1. "Come As You Are" - The first single and a stunning on in fact. It builds up during the end. It sounds rockish at first, but it's got a very Motown reference to it, especially the explosive gospel-like ending. Great track!

2. "Not Too Late For Love" - The second single and it's lush. Very mature and very nostalgic at the same time. It's got great potential to be played live because of its production (which basically reflects most of the mood of the album). A subtle classic.

3. "First Time" - One of the most emotional tracks on the album, this slow number was cowritten by Coldplay's Christ Martin. That explains the graceful piano. It's really an amazing track.

4. "Straight Jacket" - Definitely one of the standout tracks on the album. It's full of drama and melancholy. It's one of the moodiest tracks on the album. The alternative sound of the guitar mixed with soulful vocal histrionics makes this an epic of a track. Beverley Knight sings with such conviction.

5. "Keep This Fire Burning" - One of the lighter tracks on the album, yet still heavy on production. It's midtempo mixed with a cut-up strings in order to make it sound more hip. It's a sophisticated almost club track.

6. "No One Ever Loves In Vain" - Another slow piano-laden track. Beverley Knight belts out with this song and it's a very good track (full of emotion).

7. "Affirmation" - Another moody track. It's not as directly poweful as "Straight Jacket," yet it's atmospheric subtleties make it an endearing track. Slowly builds, but still empowering.

8. "Supasonic" - Another lite track. It's a very chill, yet pretty midtempo track. Many people think it's Beverley's Take On Prince. Pretty damn good chanelling attempt there. It's funky.

9. "Tea And Sympathy" - Has an almost classical feel to it because of the orchestration. Brings a scene of tea time in a Victorian garden mixed with hip-hop beats. It's very adult contemporary, but very sweet and sentimental too.

10. "Below My Radar" - One of, if not, the dreamiest track in the album. It brings an image of looking out the window while riding a car in a long road with the cool wind blowing against your face and blue sky. Very slow and chilled out, yet nice.

11. "Under The Same Sun" - Not quit a super slow track, but less than midtempo, it's almost playful. It's a subtle track where Beverley doesn't sing too hard.

12. "Till I See Ya" - Sounds exactly like Black-Eyed Peas' "Where Is The Love?" with the orchestration and production, but Beverley Knight carries on with grace and finesse in this track. Love the guitar parts to it too.

13. "Salvador" - Another moody, yet subtle track. It's production is eerie, plus there's some Latin elements to it. It's a poignant, emotional track about AIDS, but Beverley didn't need to oversing to make this track bounce out. It's subtle, yet potent.

14. "Remember Me" - The most bare moment in the album: it's just Bev and the piano (not much in production). Amazing vocals on this track. Great way to end an emotional roller coaster of an album...Or is it?...

15. "Fatal Factor" (UK bonus track) - Just as "Remember Me" ends the album in a slow pace, this explosive track comes along much like "Come As You Are" busted into the opening. It's very groove-like and almost a club track, but it's almost got some gospel in it. A nice contemporary R&B/hip-hop track and a truly great way to finish such an amazing album.

Over all, Bev's topped the promises she's made on her last 3 albums. This fourth one is no exception and her current moment to shine. It's amazing and should be highly regarded! Good luck to her in the future!

Brand	N/A
Rating	4.6 (41 ratings)
Price	$18.03
Category	Acid Jazz

Affirmation

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