Second album from young Brit urban singer comes three years after her 2000 debut 'Drama'. Having taken two years off to raise her baby daughter, she has returned with an album of hi-tech street sounds to rival the best th... more »at US RnB has to offer. Featuring collaborations with Bubba Sparxxx, Rah Digga & So Solid's Asher D, it includes the singles 'Bout' & 'Superstar'. EMI. 2003.« less
Second album from young Brit urban singer comes three years after her 2000 debut 'Drama'. Having taken two years off to raise her baby daughter, she has returned with an album of hi-tech street sounds to rival the best that US RnB has to offer. Featuring collaborations with Bubba Sparxxx, Rah Digga & So Solid's Asher D, it includes the singles 'Bout' & 'Superstar'. EMI. 2003.
CD Reviews
Deceptive copy protection prevents listening
Nasser Alqatami | 05/07/2004
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I would love to review the music, but unfortunately an
unethical publisher has made it impossible to play the
disc in any device without installation of their "copy
protection" software. Since I refuse to allow untrusted
companies to install software, I can't listen to the
music. The publisher (EMI) should know better. They
shouldn't want to be in the software business. A disclaimer
on the disc package claims that I have no recourse, either.
Since I bought it, they claim its not their fault that I
can't use it.Amazon should share some blame. There is no mention of
this restriction anywhere in the description of the album.It is absolutely unethical to force the installation of
"protection" software from a music CD. I would strongly
recommend AGAINST purchase of this or any other title
distributed in this way."
Jamelia Brings the Beat
Nasser Alqatami | 03/03/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"In British R&B, there are only a few artists that have succeeded recently. In the mid-90's the soulful diva Lisa Stansfield managed to maintain a career with such hits as "All Around the World" and "So Natural," but then faded away.
Now the scene is friendlier with strong acts like Craig David and the heavily remixed Mis-Teeq. Furthermore, Ms. Dynamite also managed to crack international ground with her debut. However, soulful and fully credible acts like the incomparable Conner Reeves and powerhouse diva Beverly Knight are often underrated and forgotten.
That's why when it comes to reviewing a UK R&B artist like the young Jamelia, one does not know if she will be misinterpreted as a fading pop act or a weighty soulstress.
Jamelia released her first album, Drama, in 2001, managing to establish a hit with the theatrical song "Money." She seemed like a product of a couple of producers and lyricists, but she did have the looks and, more importantly, the voice.
Jamelia is back now with an album that proves her presence and her knack for drop-beats. Not only does she have a potent voice, but she is a fine lyricist.
Her first single, "Superstar," took over the dance floors with its lip smacking melody and fun libretto. The second single is also a treat. "Thank You" is a perseverance anthem with references to a deteriorating relationship and spousal abuse, both emotional and physical.
The album is also rich on collaborations, with Rah Digga on the opener ""Bout," Bubba Sparxxx on "Club Hoppin'" and Asher D. on "Off Da Endz."
The album is unashamedly dance, without any infiltration of slow tunes. The tune "Dirty" sounds excruciatingly like the mastermind of the Neptunes, but surprisingly isn't. Also, "B.I.T.C.H.," which stands for beautiful, intelligent, talented, cool honey is reminder of the embrace of the word that was once used to demean women.
Thank You is a step forward in this young soul sister's career and an indication that all British R&B needs is a little attention to flourish."
Jamelia, the newst version
Justin Ferrell | South Point, OH USA | 03/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard "Superstar" and I knew I was in love with Jamelia. I tried for months to get her new album but I couldn't find it. So I finally got the newst version which was recently released with an additional two songs and I love it!!! Every song is so good. Girl has mad talent. A must buy for those you love there pop r&b."
Cool beats, nice voice, but sometimes sooo boring!
Vanessa | Padova, Italy | 09/23/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Ok, this album has got cool beats. I like hip hop and r&b, and Jamelia's voice is amazing. But the songs in "Thank You" are sooo boring, she repeats in every piece the same 3 notes all the time...and after 2 mins u get enough of that song and u feel like u wanna skip immediately to the following one. Pity that it's the same story when u go ahead with the album! Anyway, some songs are very good. The rhythm is supreme in every track, but the melody is too repetitive. I personally like Superstar (even if it got me tired of hearing it, radio's fault of course), Thank You (ok, at least the singles have to be good), Antidote, Cute, Bout (cool melody!), DJ (strange beat, it has a good Jamelia's rapping) and Bounce. This last is my fav one, so catchy, I just love it!! So, if you're really fond of r&b music buy this album, but I don't bet u'll love it! Then, these are personal tastes. Last but not least, it's perfect if u wanna party, some songs (like Cute, Bout, Thank You and Bounce)are really dance!!"
Very, very good
Weather Warden | Auckland, NZ | 07/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am not a fan of hip hop and RnB. But I can make an exception for Jamelia, because she's cool and can sing. And her songs are catchy and fun.
I was hesitant to buy this album at first because I wasn't sure I'd like anything apart from the singles (which at the time were "Superstar," "Thank You" and "See It In A Boy's Eyes") - but after hearing "Stop" and it's brilliance, I decided to finally cave in and purchase the CD when it was on sale. I'm SO glad I did, because it's awesome!
And the strange thing? The singles are among my least favourites on the album because the other tracks are so great! Jamelia is a great singer, and her album is very fun and funky. There's no ballads on the album except for "See It In A Boy's Eyes" which is a more of a midtempo track then a ballad. One of the bonus tracks ("Life") is a ballad as well, but apart from that the entire album is upbeat and GREAT for a party.
The standout track of the album to me is "Bout" which was the failed first single to be released from it. It's a duet with rapper Rah Digga (woman, not man like it sounds), and is just fabulous. It's extremely catchy and has great singalong lines like "the B, the O, the U, the T, that is what you are baby." Jamelia sounds great, and the track is loads of fun. Rah Digga raps well, and overall this song is one of Jamelia's best and should have been a hit.
Other standouts include "Cutie" - which is a very catchy little track with a catchy chorus and great lyrics, and chipmunk like vocals. It seems annoying when you first hear it, but give it a chance and it will grow on you. "Off Da Endz" is another standout, this is a duet with Asher D (of So Solid Crew). This song is Fabulous with a capital F. It's about a good looking man who Jamelia fancies - it's soooooo catchy, with great lyrics and a great singable chorus and Asher D does a brilliant rap that is fun to sing along to as well. "B.I.T.C.H." is a fun positive song, with the word Bitch standing for "beautiful, intelligent, talented cool honey" and is very catchy. "Dirty Dirty" is a bit more risque then the other tracks with Jamelia singing about partying, but it's still a fun track. "Taxi" and "Club Hoppin" are both fun catchy party tracks. The three singles "Superstar" (very overplayed but a fab fun track), "Thank You" (a positive midtempo track) and "See It In A Boy's Eyes" (written by Coldplay's Chris Martin, midtempo and catchy) are all awesome also. The bonus tracks are great too - "Life" is a GREAT track, it's a ballad, where Jamelia is angry with her boyfriend for lying to her.
Overall, this is a very good album that is well worth the money. The lack of ballads will appeal to some who prefer fast tracks over slower ones. I can't wait for Jamelia to return with some new material. 5 stars!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1