the next step

Promotion for Emeli Sandé's debut longplayer, "Our Version Of Events", is in full swing. "Next To Me", the third single lifted from the elpee, has just dropped. And to mark its release, Emeli has lensed a video for it.

This time around, it's a more subdued affair. No gritty street scenes in London or Los Angeles. The video was shot in an empty warehouse and Emeli's bleached quiff gets full attention.



Another magnificent single. It kinda falls in Cee-Lo Green territory, which is not a bad thing. After all, who doesn't like a sprinkling of retro R&B in their day? My only complaint about "Next To Me" is something most people won't be bothered by. I think her vocal is swimming in too much reverb. I think a drier, more organic treatment would've suited her voice and the track much better. Splitting hairs, I suppose.

There is a lot of promise for Emeli. I'm really looking forward to hearing the entire album. Word on the street is that it leans heavily on ballads which would be a shame considering the way her first three singles have positioned her.

Turns out Emile's first name is Adele. What are the chances? Can you imagine the discussions about that at the label? The execs must have been falling all over each other in a panic. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall at those meetings.

gone daddy gone

My sincerest apologies for being AWOL for a short while. It's been quite manic at So Hip It Hurts HQ. Between productions, DJ gigs and songwrting sessions, not to mention running a local business, time has slipped ever faster into the future without an update to my lovely blog. I can assure you, I plan to do my best to stay on top of things.

So, it's my pleasure to return with a beautiful, new platter from an artist many people are earmarking for big things well into 2012 and beyond.

After the monumental success of "Heaven", Emeli Sandé was always going to have a tough time following it with something even remotely epic. A career defining song, "Heaven" pushed all the right buttons without sounding like anything else out there.

Now, Ms. Sandé moves forward with "Daddy", the second single from her forthcoming longplayer, "Our Version Of Events". Seeing as her debut elpee is scheduled for release on February 6, I suspect a third single will see the light of day a few weeks ahead of it.

Thankfully, "Daddy" mines the same ground as"Heaven". There is a distinct trip hop undertow in the clattered rhythm and ominous strings combo. It's all very 90s in its inspiration while establishing a very 21st century sound. Nary a dubstep breakbeat in earshot. Huzzah! A daring move in this cookie cutter climate. One I'm pleased she has stuck with.

As for the video, Ms. Sandé has traded London for Los Angeles which hints at a more global launch for her anticipated debut. Labels aren't splashing cash in many directions these days. I suspect there is quite a lot of support for Emeli's album.



Nothing groundbreaking. She has a striking look that will burning a unique image behind the retinas. The key here is that Emeli Sandé doesn't oversing. No melismatic overstatement. She simply sings the song. Beyoncé, please take note.

One confusing note to end on, not sure why producer Shahid Khan, aka Naughty Boy, is namechecked in the artist credit with Emeli. Has he contributed something unique to the performance that I haven't discovered?

"Daddy", accompanied by a cadre of remixes, will be available from all fine "shops" on November 20.

heavenly action

Hello, my lovelies. I'm writing this blog entry from a cozy little corner at Starbucks in Maida Vale which is located in the bosom of northern London. There are many songs being written in various studios throughout the capital this week. The journey to and from each session has been accompanied by one song which makes it's debut at #2 on the UK singles chart today.

The gloriously anthemic "Heaven" from Emeli Sandé has crashed the consumer consciousness in Great Britain and filled the airwaves with gospel voices set to a funky drummer beat. Yes, we have firmly revisited the sound of the 90s, ladies and gents. And it appears Emeli's producers have listened to copious amounts of "Blue Lines", the genre defining, trip hop, debut from Bristol's finest, Massive Attack.

But first, let's have a look at the video which was just lensed for "Heaven".



The twenty year cycle of nostalgia is in full effect for the 90s. Gritty street scenes, ashen faces, wandering homeless men and lost children. For a visual and sonic comparison, let's check out "Unfinished Sympathy", the track that launched the Massive Attack phenomenon. Pay particular attention the the string lines.



Of course, the two songs don't sound the same, but Emeli definitely captured some of the vibe. Big things are tipped for her. We will keep a watchful on this rising diva.