BUCK C. COOKE | 5.7.2008
That sound coming across the Atlantic? No, it is not an invading army, it is “Rockferry,” the debut album by British sensation Duffy. The album mixes '60s and '70s rock vibes with Motown and blue-eyed soul filtered through modern production.
Duffy is like Amy Winehouse, only blonde and sober; Natasha Bedingfield with bigger pipes and more of an edge; a sassier version of Joss Stone; a cross between Dusty Springfield and Sheryl Crow with a little dash of the Supremes and Macy Gray thrown in for good measure.
All of these musical comparisons are probably somewhat surreal for Duffy since she grew up in musical isolation, really. The Welsh singer hails from a tiny village so remote that the nearest music retailer was a bus ride away and only stocked Top 40 releases. As a result, Duffy approached the creative process without any rules, limitations, prejudices, or preconceived notions about what music should sound like.
Bernard Butler, former Suede guitarist and album producer, has said Duffy managed to grow up without any concept of what was cool or current, an advantage that gave her a personal sense of what she likes and doesn't.
on "Rockferry" as a celebration of the best pieces of the musical soundscape from the past 60 years. Duffy blends rock, girl group do-wop, folk, and soul with truly inspired results.
Indeed, Duffy's unique sound may make this the most important debut of the year.
The debut single “Mercy” was everywhere in recent weeks, appearing on episodes of “Smallville” and “ER,” and the video is gaining momentum on VH1, VH1 Soul, FUSE, MTV Hits, and mtvU. The track is bouncing and bodacious, perfect for the spring. Crank up the volume and enjoy this with the windows down.
Heartbreak and its aftermath feature prominently on the album. The hopeful “Distant Dreamer” finds Duffy hoping for love in the wake of a rocky relationship, “Hanging on Too Long” is an ode to trying to make something where there is nothing, and “I’m Scared” finds Duffy emotionally paralyzed after a breakup.
Duffy is no doormat, though. In “Delayed Devotion” she sings, “But your words come much too late/ My love for you has turned to hate/ ‘Cause you've taken too much time/ To show me that you're mine.”
Atta girl!
In March, “Rockferry” debuted at the top of the British music charts and posted the highest first-week album sales in the UK for 2008. Duffy is quick to share credit with Jeannette Lewis, co-owner of Rough Trade Records. Lee heard some of Duffy’s demos in 2004 and eventually became the singer’s mentor and manager.
from the slew of other new artists flooding the market? For one thing, her voice is a producers’ dream – strong, emotional, clear, and malleable. She can range from quiet and tender to bigger than life and belt-it-out. Her evocative work would make excellent soundtrack music, so prepare to hear her on your favorite shows or in upcoming movies.
Another way Duffy distinguishes herself is that her songs have a timeless quality that makes you think that your parents might like most of the songs, and that people will be discovering and enjoying Duffy’s sound for decades to come.
Duffy is a breath of fresh air in a musical landscape filled with copycats. While other artists are trying to be the next Aretha, Madonna, Britney, or Christina, Duffy is who she is, and it works beautifully.
Does she bear resemblance to some big-name artists of the past and a few cutting-edge artists of the present? Yes, but she transcends all that. “Rockferry” is an excellent showcase of new talent and vanguard songwriting. It should end up on many year-end top ten lists, so get in on her now if you haven't already.
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