Can Emerald sparkle on this jazzy, nostalgic UK debut?
Having spent 27 weeks at number 1 in the Dutch charts, Emerald alights here to make a stab for some arguably more credible pop success.
She may just find it too, judging by the clutch of jazz and cabaret-infused numbers that all exude a whiff of glamourous ‘50s cocktail bars.
Emerald’s rich, flirty vocals are perfect for this varied, nostalgic trip, full of romance fulfilled and dashed, all topped off with sassy, silkily smooth and Ronson-indebted production.
Single Back It Up’s funky jazz verses have an early Amy Winehouse feel, while there’s pert brass and peppy piano on A Night Like This.
That Man follows The Puppini Sisters’ snappy revivalist chic, and the summery Corinne Bailey Rae strum of Riviera Life finishes off a pleasantly varied set.
4 stars
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here