Search - Beverley Knight :: Who I Am

The Real Meaning Of Soul

Milo | Planet Earth | 06/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is an absolute shame that Beverley Knight has not seen the breakthrough that she so much and so well deserves. While in the UK she has seen a good amount of success with her three albums, which was further validated by the recent top ten success of the lovely single "Shoulda Woulda Coulda," still she remains unfortunately unkown on the other side of the Atlantic. And even with the aforementioned success in The European side, Beverley's talent is one that deserves to reach greater heights. This latest release might be the one that allows her more exposure (which was also granted by the success of its first single "Get Up"). Who I am is a wonderful example of what UK soul is about. There is no talk of gangsters, money, or sex anywhere in this set. The lyrics (written by the artist) are uplifting, empowering, and inspiring (just listen to "Beautiful Contradiction"), proving that R&B can be intelligent and sassy at the same time. And, to top it off, Beverley's sweet vocals are a treat to the ear, as usual. The album has many bright moments, I will however highlight the two singles that have been released so far ("Get Up" is a good combination of dancehall with a touch of R&B, a true example of UK Soul that deals with being an original and respecting what one has to offer; "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" is an inspiring story of a love gone wrong and the regret that follows) and the duet Musiq Soulchild (a perfect example of nu-soul). Also noteworthy is "Hurricane Jane," which is full of energy and should be considered as the next single.
If you enjoy classy, soulful female artists (in the full sense of the word), this is one album to purchase. File it under "REAL SOUL.""

"Shoulda" Been Released in the US

Myles Q. Davis | USA | 04/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It still baffles me when talented artists such as Miss Knight are only known in limited circles around the world. If Beverley Knight looks like your typical r&b princess, think again. While it is odd that she garners comparisons to Sade in her popularity (Sade is both a jazz vocalist and much more well known), it doesn't come unfounded. Both are uniquely beautiful and both have the ability to let their lyrics transcend cliche's and affect the human spirit and mind. While Sade isn't as emotive in her expression of the lyrics, Miss Knight never holds back. This is evident on tracks such as 'Same (As I Ever Was)', 'Hurricane Jane', and the haunting and awe-inspiring track 'Gold'. It is fair to say that Beverley Knight doesn't have a horrible track on the album. Many people might mis-conceive the albums glossy photos and overall package for a party album. This is a slower, but the nonetheless stirring album album from Knight. She effortlessly dabbles in blues, gritty soul, lush balladry, and dancehall reggae. Beverley Knights vocal range is astounding. She gracefully evokes the likes of Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan, but she has the ability to create her own persona through the personal songs on this album. Other r&b divas well-known in the U.S. should count their blessings that Miss Knight hasn't yet graced us with her artistry, because this sistah can roll with the best of them. The r&b genre is, at times, bland and repetitive. Beverley Knight is a breath of fresh air. Her poise, vocal ability, amazing lyrics, and stirring melodies put her a cut above the rest.Standout Tracks:Get Up!: A great dance track. One of the few on the album. Miss Knight successfully blends dancehall music with r&b vocals and melodies. Her voice on this track is amazing.Shape of You: Lyrical content is beautiful. A poised and graceful track from Miss Knight. The remix is also great.Fallen Soldier: Once again proves that Miss Knight posseses control over her voice. The lyrics are haunting and beautiful and Beverley's voice is soul stirring. A definite fave!Hurrican Jane: All I can say is: Girl can sing! Miss Knight blows this track up! The lyrics are fresh and have a poetic tone. It is one of the blues infused tracks on the album.Bestseller Mystery: Beverley absolutely shines on this track. Her voice is big, proud and unashamedly soulful. Proves that blues and contemporary r&b do mix.Gold: What can I say? Best song on the album. Lyrics gave me the chills. Very inspiring. Miss Knight's vocals are subdued, but clearly have roots in gospel. Amazing song."

Shes Gold

V. Ryan | London Uk | 05/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the finest albums I own. Beverley Knight is one hell of a performer. I had the privalige to see her perform at the Hammersmith Apollo (uk) in december of 2002 and she did not dissapoint.
It was her "Who I Am" tour - and that is the title of her third album.
Its great to see a british female soul artist bringing out such quality - something at is lacking into today's music scene.This album is for anyone who loves to hear a great voice - a voice which is powerful and at the same time clear and crisp.Track 1 - Get Up
The first single to be taken from the album. Its such a perfect beginning. Has a bit of a reggea feel and is a track you will be humming along to the more you listen to it. Excellent.Track 2 - Shoulda Woulda Coulda
The top 10 hit should be familiar to many of you. A great song, sung with real heart (as most of her songs are). Track 3 - Shape Of You
A beautifuly written song with some very touching lyrics.Track 4 - Fallen Soilder
An acoustic song which I love to just lie back and listen to. Bev's voice is just spine tingling. One of the albums corkers.Track 5 - Beautiful Contridiction (duet with Musiq Soulchild)
Such a pity this wasn't a single. I love Musiq soulchild and for him to do a duet with the queen of nu-soul is just top notch. The song has one fantastic beat, with both artists adding there style. Highly recommend you listen to this song.Track 6 - Hurricain Jane
In my opinion its the albums weakest song. Which is not to say its a bad song, but in comparison to the rest of the album this to me is the track which lacks a certain something.Track 7 - Same (as i ever was)
Bev shows off her funky soul ability. And it works like a charm! Its a message to the world that she is the same girl who grew up in Woverhampton all those years ago. Great song, great lyrics.Track 8 - Whatever's Clever
Like track 8 - its a funk soul number which I think is just a bit better than Same (as i ever was). Once again her voice is faultless, and I believe that musically this is the best song on the album. Track 9 - Ambition (it all comes 2 you)
For anyone with an ambition - this is the song for you. Its such a beautiful song. Beverley knight goes up in my estimation once more for this track. Its a beautiful song. The Lyrics are just breathtaking and add great lyrics to a voice like Miss Knights - and you have a great song.Track 10 - Bestseller Mystery
The album makes a bit of a music change here with track 10. Blues is the theme of music choice in this one. and after all RnB stands for Rhythem & Blues. But some people forget that. Not Beverley Knight.Track 11 - Gold
The third single from this album. And yes Bev - you are gold.
I don't know really what to say about this song. Its just fantastic. Bonus track - Who I am
Can the album get any better? Yep - with this accapella. Her voice is on full display here - shes a performer who could sing anywhere with little preperation - simply because shes a natural talent. Very refreshing.I've heard many many albums - but none sung with the amount of heart and soul Beverley Knight sings with.A must for people who appreicate great music."