Music : Rockferry

Rating: - A resounding success for 2008's hottest new talent
Barcode: 0602517564237

I've been waiting for this album for ages! The singles 'Rockferry' and Mercy' provided the perfect tasters for Duffy's debut and fit effortlessly amongst songs that already sound timeless in their quality. I found early track Warwick Avenue and beautiful album closer 'Distant Dreamer' immediate in their appeal, proof of the album's consistency from start to end.

The production is top-class and Duffy's voice the perfect blend of honeyed cuteness and emotion - something which she manages to convey in bucketloads throughout the album. She is able to carry off ballads and uptempo tracks with equal ease, perfectly illustrated by the aforementioned singles. It is clear from the first listen to this album of its depth, carried admirably by Duffy's incredible voice and every track leaves you wanting more.

Perfect for any time of the year, there's a warm smokiness to the music that goes straight to your heart - all it takes is one listen and you'll be totally in love with Duffy. With both Mercy and the album itself shooting straight to number 1, 2008 looks set to be a massive year for her and i'm so glad she's having this success.

Overall, a charming debut that most definitely deserves all the praise that has been headed its way. If i was to pick one highlight though, it would have to be the title track. It is truly epic in its beauty, the chorus soaring in its intensity. Simply magical.

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Rating: - Sensational
I did not think that there would be a debut album to surpass Amy McDonald's "This is the Life" for a very long time to come. However, having played the new Duffy offering, "Rockferry", I am forced to change my opinion!

There is a quality about the music here that takes me back to the 60's. I'm not sure if it's the simplicity of the music, the lyrics or the way in which she delivers the vocals, but it is unmistakeably there. Every track is worthy of a mention, but the stand-outs are the beautiful "Warwick Avenue" and "Distant Dreamer".

This album is magic, just magic, and you will be doing yourself a huge favour if you rush out and buy it today!

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Rating: - A commendable debut album
This debut from sultry Welsh chanteuse Duffy is yet another wonderful trip back in time. A Dusty Springfield for our time, Duffy evokes memories of the simple, carefree and optimistic 60s in easy-going songs of love, both longed for and lost. I find her voice and style of delivery totally endearing and the music, some produced by Bernard Butler (formerly of McAlmont & Butler; David McAlmont actually sings backing vocals on a couple of tracks), some by Jimmy Hogarth, some by Steve Booker and all co-written by Duffy and her aforementioned producers, is absolutely top notch.

That's the good news. The not so good news is that once again, I feel like I'm listening to a singer I'm not so sure I believe. In fairness, she gets by and takes me with her on most of the songs but when she sings on "Mercy", just for instance - a wonderfully breezy song that made it to #1 on the UK singles chart with ease and has stayed there for four weeks - the song is all about pleading and desperation but she just doesn't sound at all desperate. I don't hear any angst.

I remember the first time I heard Mary J Blige's "Be Happy" and being reduced to tears. I genuinely believed that she wasn't (happy, that is). My heart went out to her while I questioned my own definition of happiness. It might sound ridiculous - in my defence, I was very young - but when I first heard Donna Summer's "MacAurthur Park", I actually believed that someone had left a cake out in the rain and that poor Donna was never going to find the recipe again. I felt distraught for her. Even Madonna had me believing her when she sang songs like "Live To Tell" and "Oh Father" and Eva Cassidy had me believing everything she sang without exception.

My point basically is that I feel that singers, especially those who decide they want to do soul, should either try to sing about what they know or develop incredibly good imaginations and/or acting skills. I think it takes a bit more than a just good voice and good music.

But like I said, Duffy does impress on a number of the songs here. My favourites include "Rockferry", "Stepping Stone", "Syrup & Honey", "Hanging On Too Long", "Mercy" (I might not believe a word she's singing but it's such a catchy, bouncy song, it's impossible to resist it. I also love the video) and "I'm Scared" - all amazing songs on which Duffy truly shines. Six out of ten isn't to be sniffed at so in balance, I have to say it's a commendable debut album. It's gone straight in at #1 on the UK album charts this week and I think she's going to have huge success with it.

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Rating: - Blown Away
I didn't really take to Duffy's voice the first time i heard the single mercy but grew to like it after a couple of listens so i decided to check out her album, i was blown away. She's got more talent than that winehouse singer/druggie could ever have. I strongly recommend this, it's at number one for a very good reason.

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Rating: - Absolutely brilliant
What a brilliant new talent.
Love the numder 1 single but the album is just as good.
Play in the car whilst driving - absolutely fanstatic!!