Rockferry - Music (Duffy)

Rockferry, the Welsh singer's lovingly constructed debut album, has already succeeded beyond expectations, and although Duffy may not quite be the ingénue portrayed by a clever press campaign (she nearly won a local television talent show a few years back while a single credited to Aimee Duffy is still available on iTunes) she is surely the most appealing of the current flood of young soul sirens. The astonishing title track, co-written by Bernard Butler, sounded like a lost transmission that had taken decades to get through as soon as it hit radio last year. But the gently rolling soul ballad "Stepping Stone", that strapping, inescapable monster hit "Mercy", the ice cool "Serious" (the one time she really does channel the spirit of Dusty Springfield) and the wistful, elegant "Warwick Avenue" are similarly effective. Suggestions by some that Rockferry is little more than sixties pastiche are churlish. Butler's previous work with David McAlmont (featured here as a backing singer) showed his skill at writing and arranging the dramatic, while her other collaborators such as Steve Booker and the team of Jimmy Hogarth and Eg White are hardly lightweights. But despite some wonderful orchestral settings, it's Duffy's terrific voice that makes this so satisfying, even overpowering Butler's exquisitely underplayed guitar work on "Rockferry" itself. Growling the blues on "Syrup & Honey" or belting it out over his lovingly arranged wall of sound on "Distant Dreamer", she sets the tone throughout, several of her songs dealing with escape, both physical and romantic. The sound of someone singing herself to stardom, Rockferry is at times genuinely amazing. Steve Jelbert

Customer Reviews of Rockferry

kr
London United Kingdom
9th October 2008

24 going on 44
When I first heard 'Mercy' I didn't like it because I thought the background riff sounded too much like the one from 'Stand By Me' and, for me, it didn't quite work. Also, it is too easy to compare the latest female singing sensation to Dusty Springfield or Amy W which isn't fair on anyone concerned. Then I heard 'Warwick Avenue' and my interest was piqued (I had just split up with someone who lived in that part of London). Still I was waiting for something more.

Then I head 'Stepping Stone' and I knew I was going to buy this album, and I have not regretted it one bit. In fact, I think I like some of the album tracks better: 'Serious' is what the Supremes might have sounded like had they gone disco, smooth and funky with all the right squeals; 'Hanging On Too Long' which builds slowly with a soft guitar riff and begins to let rip about a third of the way through; 'Distant Dreamer', one of the best album closers I have ever heard, bold and brassy.

Then there is the title track 'Rockferry' (a strange choice for a first single) which build up some Dusty-style yearning for a long-cherished place a la 'Goin Back'; the unadulterated mayhem of 'Mercy' which sounds a lot better in the context of this album and rightly earned its Number 1 spot earlier on this year.

24 going on 44, Duffy is a talent to be reckoned with.

Trancewarriors
England
7th October 2008

Not Bad
I've been thinking about getting this CD for a while now. Kept up to date with all the reviews etc. Have to say average to good. It's ok, just overall a little 'down' sounding and samey. I agree with most that Mercy is far and away the outstanding track, and Duffy's voice is fantastic, it could just do with some better material, so five stars for Duffy, but four for the CD.

Squiebee
England
2nd October 2008

Beautiful, bittersweet songs
I first heard Duffy on a long car journey on a friend's mixtape, the track was Rockferry. My friend skipped the track in impatient disgust, which drove me mad! I'm usually into my alternative stuff but I like a bit of everything in my collection, so I have something to listen to for every mood. I love this album because it's feminine, heartfelt, sweet and singable. I'm not mad on the last three tracks but they're by no means awful, I just prefer the others. I feel I can relate to Duffy in all her strengths and weaknesses. Some have compared her unfavourably to Amy Winehouse, who I also like, but Duffy doesn't have the selfish, bitchy airs and is lovely to listen to when you have some alone-time.

M. Bell
Scotland
1st October 2008

Ab Fab
This is the best CD I've heard in about 30 years. Brings back all the old soul sounds of the sixties. Wilson Picket etc. I love it and so do my friends. Wish Duffy had another CD out and I would buy it immediately. Fab debut CD. She does sound like Dusty but far superior in my opinion. Buy this and you won't regret it! All the songs are haunting and you fall in love with them instantly. Excellent

`70's SOUL GIRL'
EUROPE
20th September 2008

`Brilliant'
I love this CD. It's very 60's, retro, classy and unique. Duffy has a wonderful voice. I would like her to sing some Dusty songs and `To sir with love'. My children listen to the CD aswell (12 & 9) and are equally taken with it. Here's to the next Album.