Album Review: Sophie Delila – Hooked
2 min read
Paris raised singer-songwriter Sophie Delila’s 2008 album is finally being released in the UK this month and its about time because this is a real treat of a record.
Hooked has already been released throughout Europe and the album is a mix of cool pop, smooth R&B and sassy jazz numbers – unsurprising for a singer who cites Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder as main influences.
The album was co-written and co produced with Steve Brooker who had previously worked with the likes of Sugababes as well as being the man behind much of Duffy’s breakthrough album.
This is a really special record and its release has impeccable timing for the breezy summer season.
Nature of the Crime begins the journey with a number of gentle Soul/R&B. It’s a catchy track with touching lyrics built over Sophie’s whispery voice and some harmonious backing vocals that are very complimenting to the track.
Album highlight comes in as number two’s Can’t Keep Loving You. This one is a well produced number which instantly reminds me of Corrine Bailey-Rae. With Sophie’s sultry voice and the hook heavy chorus it would be a shock if this soft number doesn’t cause some serious ripples in the charts.
Title song Hooked achieves just that from its first listen. It’s a little more upbeat with a subtle tambourine feel, some gentle drums thrown in over a nice string arrangement that compliments the song perfectly giving it that seventies Supremes sound.
In The Morning delights us with its radiant acoustic styling. Ballad like in the verses the chorus is uplifting with a fifties vintage feel and very slight flamenco instrumentation that adds a touch of charm.
Further down the album another standout Another World showcases the singer’s talents not only as an incredible vocalist but also a true musician as she takes to the pianists seat with ease and confidence.
These standouts aside, the rest of Hooked is made up of quality songwriting, true musicianship with a keen worldly insight and meticulous attention to musical detail from a poetic soul great in the making with a matching voice that’s set to make a welcome addition to mainstream soul.
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