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Music > Albums > Gabrielle - Rise (2000) Retail CD
added on April 17, 2007, at 11:39 by allcdcovers

British singer Gabrielle's third album was a monster hit in Europe but caused barely a ripple in the United States. It is unfortunate because the album is quite engaging, and had it received the proper promotion, it may have even registered a hit single or two in America. This is sophisticated, mellow British soul-pop, somewhat akin to Simply Red. The songs are pleasant, but none really stand out as instant hits, although her Bob Dylan-inspired "Rise" became a huge European smash. The album has a subtle 1960s feel to it, especially on "When a Woman" and "Falling," which recalls Supremes-era soul-pop. For the most part, though, the songs register between slow to mid-tempo, save for a brief moment of funk on the tune "5 O'Clock." Standout cuts include the ballad "Should I Stay," which, of all the gems on this set, seems the most hitworthy. "Only You" has a lush, beautiful string section, and the album's opener, "Sunshine," flows with an interesting groove. A good album, and surely deserving of more attention than what it received in the United States, especially considering the following she garnered with her first (and only) stateside hit, "Dreams."

back 1045 x 800 px

cd 800 x 800 px

front 814 x 800 px

inlay 1036 x 800 px

inside 821 x 800 px