Estelle: 'American Boy'

Hurrah! Finally a bit of success for the lovely London hiphop star-in-waiting. Blessed by a proper verse from Kanye West (including the fine line “Dressed like a smart London bloke / Before he speaks his suit bespoke”) this single has enough hook to keep it rolling all summer long with a laid-back disco shuffle and a surprisingly sweet bit of sophisto-soul singing from our girl Estelle. Miserable folks may moan that it’s more US-inspired than UK-derived, but it’s nice to have a bit of homegrown glamour amongst all the city’s grumble and grime.

Released on 24th March 2008 by Atlantic.

Written by Matt Chittock.