Duffy: 'Rockferry'

Birthed from the influence of sixties idols such as Dusty Springfield and Lulu, Duffy has been one of 2008's strongest-performing new artists, and for good reason. Her record company have taken this amazing set of pipes and fashioned a clean and presentable version of Amy Winehouse out of the Welsh beauty.

After coming second in Wales’ version of Pop Idol, Duffy now releases her debut album, 'Rockferry'. With a huge soulful voice heard is beyond her twenty-three years, Duffy really grabs you by the heartstrings on the confused-in-love anthem 'Serious'. The beautiful kiss-off 'Warwick Avenue' is irresistibly uplifting and wouldn’t be out of place on that compilation of soul classics in your mum's car.

Duffy’s voice begins to strain on 'Distant Dreamer' and 'Rockferry' and you might hear the odd meow in there - they’re not the kind of tracks you can play loud without ensuring a headache. The other songs more than make up for these, however. If you're not already sick of lead single 'Mercy' from radio over-play, there's no denying that this is the album's standout track, and it really does make buying the album worth it just by itself.

Polished, produced pop it may be, but if you’re a fan of the soulful divas of the past you might just be able to get past that and love this album.

Released on 3rd March 2008 by Polydor.

Written by Cat Goodman.