Music : Rockferry

Rating: - A Modern Classic
Rockferry is pure class with some fantastic 60's retro tunes that fit Duffy's voice to a tee. Stepping Stone is the stand out track for me amongst many great songs that already mark this debut as a classic. As soon as you play this CD it's like a warm summer breeze brushing over you...totally feelgood.

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Rating: - Sorry, but Duffy is weak
I'm quite honestly shocked at how lauded Duffy is becoming. Having listened to the album, to try and give it a chance, I have to say I was susprised at how weak the album actually is. Duffy is trying to be a modern-day Dusty, right down to being recognised by a single name and her styling; she should stop it right now because it's doing her a great disservice. Duffy has a good voice, which can't be denied, but her song choices are somewhat tepid at best and boring at worst.
I really think it better that she find a genre better suited to her (like melodic folk), there is far, far better music out there in her current genre. If she carries on the way she is, I'd think she'd be finished within two years.

As for better recommendations, Dusty Springfield is the obvious choice, but also Annie Lennox, Roxette, Dionne Warwick and Nina Simone. I'm sure to be expecting flak for my view here, but I've given you recommendations for vocalists with a better range (Okay, Roxette is a group, but the female vocallist is fantastic).

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Rating: - Rockferry by Duffy
An outstanding album,living up to the hype. Not sure about the comparisons with Dusty Springfield, don't see it myself, but if you are looking for quality pop songs sung with feeling and conviction, get this.

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Rating: - Duffy doesn't need to be Dusty
Bernard Butler has got the retro production just right - as he did on "Yes" partnered by David McAlmont - particularly on "Rockferry", "Syrup and Honey" and "Distant Dreamer" all of which evoke a 60's feel, which is no criticism when the songs are as good this - the production is probably where the Dusty Springfield comparisons originate from and Duffy's visual appearance - vocally I can't see any parallels with Dusty Springfield - but Duffy doesn't need to be compared with any other singing legends - she may well become one herself - she has the voice and if the songs continue to this standard there's no doubt she will.

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Rating: - Dull dull dull
The most boring album I've heard in a long time. Shame. Great voice no imagination.