Beverley Knight first landed on planet pop in summer 1995, with some light rap tracks that were minor hits. She made more of an impression with "Made It Back," a hit in 98 and the following year's "Greatest Day." These were more light, breezy records, but I felt concealed a good talent behind the over-production. Three years on from the "Prodigal Sista" album, the Bev's back.
And it's a classic. (Of course it is. I don't write about just any record...) Any record with a stuttering start always goes down well in my book; this one is almost a note-for-note copy of Moby's "Southside," and is all the better for that. There's a chunky, beefy bass riff, over which there are some barely audible vocals. They're barely audible because they're so laid back. Already, the tune is feeling like a moderate drive through the desert in winter, or through a sunny lane in summer.
It's a minute before the chorus looms into view, but it's worth the wait. A soaring vocal provides the map of the song's charms. Close harmonies, rounded breathing, classy work. Then another verse, but it's obvious that no one can wait to groove along to the chorus as it comes around again.
A middle eight from heaven helps matters, giving the opportunity for a key change of joy. The song doesn't take that key change, and is probably better for it, making its point through understatement. After that the song turns more freeform, bringing out the jazzy side of Knight's repertoire.
The album is out later in the year. This is the talent that she's been promising.