Reviews roundup – Rebecca Ferguson vs. Jessica Clemmons vs. Ferris & The Wheels
REBECCA FERGUSON
Freedom
RCA
‘I Hope’ is one of the most annoying records of the year. Which is quite impressive considering how much keech has been foisted on us in 2013. But it’s a real shame, because Rebecca Ferguson is one of the few people to emerge from the fodder factory of TV talent shows who actually has talent. But I wasn’t going to let that get in the way of me hearing this, as I had really enjoyed her debut album.
But I’m less keen on this one. Her voice is still as marvellous as ever, but she seems to be shying away from the classy modern soul sound of the debut and making a breenge for the dancefloor. Which is a mistake. There are a few moments which manage to escape into the light, and they are very good indeed. Surprisingly that includes the John Legend duet ‘Bridges’ and the powerful ‘My Best’.
But songs like ‘All That I’ve Got’, ‘My Freedom’ and ‘Fake Smile’ just aren’t good enough. A voice in search of a home. Shame.
JESSICA CLEMMONS
What If
After Midnight Girl Entertainment
It only seems like 6 months since I reviewed “Loving This Day”, saying “On this record she’s operating in the genre bossed about by another Idol alumni, Kelly Clarkson, so it’s power pop with big choruses mixed up with some emotive ballads.” Mainly because it was. But that’s all by the by, because now she’s done gone country.
As those of you who are following Boyzone around on tour right now will already know. Because that’s where she is. And this is good. It’s modern country which means it’s low on western, but if you like country pop then this is a good place to be. Luckily, the former American Idol contestant hails from Texas so she can use her twang to good effect on numbers like ‘She Ain’t Me’ and ‘Drunk On Me’.
It might confuse people who have just got into her debut, but hopefully this will keep them on board and bring along some new folks as well.
FERRIS & THE WHEELS
Hollow
Thundercove Records
“Indie Folk Grunge”. That’s what they call themselves. [shakes head and sighs.] What they actually mean is “early REM”. Do you want to hear my opinion on REM? Well, sorry you can’t. because all the new ISP filters would block it out.
Suffice to say that this will appeal to people who still wear long coats in the summer, think right on thoughts all the time and eat tofu and falafel. Granted, they can play their instruments and some of the harmony vocals are spot on, but as songs go, these actually make my stomach tight with anger.
The good news is, it’s only a 5 track EP, so I was able to escape with my lunch largely intact.
The Rocker - The Artist Formerly Known As Zeitgeist. TAFKAZ 
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