Our Version of Events by Emeli Sandé

The first of George Neame's weekly album reviews. He begins with Emeli Sandé's début album, Our Version of Events.   

It is generally considered that début pop albums have a history of lacking any real substance and being filled with weak-sounding lyrics and repetitive hooks, but the first LP from Emeli Sandé shows her experience, having spent at least four years previously writing songs and performing with other artists including Chipmunk and Roll Deep. Our Version of Events is a mature album showcasing incredible vocals worthy of Beyoncé of Rihanna, songs such as the single Heaven and My Kind of Love featuring chilling gospel chants and echoes and others like Breaking the Law containing barely any instruments at all, a true testament to her incredible voice. Songs vary from ballads that make your hair stand on end to the up-tempo Daddy, to Mountains featuring a surprisingly satisfying combination of piano and acoustic guitar. With a chorus taken from her recent duet with Professor Green, Read All About It, Pt III would be expected to be just an attempt to cash-in on the success of part one, but is in fact an epic album-closer that sums up the whole album; decent instrumentals and lyrics, but vocals that send shivers down your spine and suggest Emeli Sandé is the new soul-pop princess to watch.

Star Rating: ****

                                                                                  Next week: Sweet Sour by Band of Skulls

Listen to the album for free below or on Spotify at:
http://open.spotify.com/album/7I1r2t6V06O2vBPL4QN0Hz

Buy the Album:
On iTunes
or
on Amazon MP3