Shine : Estelle : Review : Rolling Stone

For anyone who never warmed to Erykah Badu's Egyptology or still mourns Lauryn Hill's disappearance, help has arrived. Estelle offers a gritty alternative to R&B divadom's strutting fembots. On her American debut, this former U.K. record—store clerk boasts an all—star cast: executive producer John Legend, Will.i.am, Swizz Beatz, Kanye West and Cee—Lo, who duets on the Philly—soul "Pretty Please (Love Me)." But those Yanks don't dilute Shine's regional feel — this West London homegirl's perspective is etched in her husky singing, fleet—tongued rapping and wised—up lyrics. ("You ain't spending the night/After we're done here, it's back to the wife," she commands in "Wait a Minute.") The music encompasses rugged modern R&B, dancehall, Sarah Vaughan—style jazz vocalese and, on "No Substitute Love," a reggae—soul—hip—hop torch song. But the mood is always beatific, topped off by "American Boy," a treatise on Anglo—American relations where Estelle plays a cheeky sex—tourist. "Don't like his baggy jeans," she raps, "but I'ma like what's underneath them."

JODY ROSEN

(Posted: May 15, 2008)

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Review 1 of 3

5of 5 Stars

We seem to be under a new British Invasion of sorts, this time with a darker skin tone. Last year M.I.A. took the prize, and I think so far Shine is the best album of 2008. The comparisons to Lauryn Hill are valid, I think. You can throw in Missy Elliot, and even George Michael too, if you wanted, considering the Faith-like feel of No Substitute Love.

I loved the RS reviewers description of most current U.S. R&B females as diva fembots. Talk about hitting the nail on the head! Estelle is the real deal and I think this album is fantastic. See you at the Grammys. Be sure to bring a shopping bag to carry them all.

Jun 6, 2008 07:57:03

Review 2 of 3

5of 5 Stars

This album is just stunning! She and Santogold are two of favorite new artist's this year (thank you rolling stone). This album is exactly what I needed and for me it is one of the best album's of the year!

May 9, 2008 16:28:44

Review 3 of 3

5of 5 Stars

As soon as I got "American Boy" on iTunes, I could not stop playing this song on repeat. The reviewer got it right! She is picking up where Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu left off. Her first album was amazing, but this cd is just ground breaking. It also helps that Kanye West and John Legend swear by her...not a bad way to go!

Apr 30, 2008 15:43:05

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