Thank You - Jamelia > Reviews > Some Kind Of Superstar?

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Shes the forefront of British R&B and this album shows it !
Disadvantages:	None really !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

A young fresh Jamelia could have been a ‘superstar’ back in 1999/2000 when she released the stunning ‘Money’ and acclaimed ‘Drama’ album. Getting pregnant to a violent mad man however changed all that. Unable to do the promo singles didn’t chart as they could of and she thought she would be dropped. After taking 3 years out to look after her daughter, single young fresh mum Jamelia is back and better than ever!

SUPERSTAR

This opener is Jamelia’s comeback single (even though Bout was released earlier) and has been her most succesful single to date, both in chart position and longevity. You can understand why, this is a choice cut of R&B pop madness that is so catchy it hurts. Everyone knows this song… so whats the point in saying more? 6/5

THANK YOU

Title track and another smash hit for Jamelia. If you don’t know this (where have you been lol) this is a synth ridden ballad. It tells of Jamelia’s true life story of domestic violence “you spit, you hit”. It’s a bittersweet affair as its sad but empowering thanking the person who did this and making her who she is now. I suppose the fact that shes where she is and he is where he is, is a good feeling for her, and this song shows it. 5/5

DJ

A slice of Americanised urban R&B follows and was a recent double A Side with ‘Stop!’ (unfortunatley not included). This was a new song on this album, what is now Mark II, ‘Thank You’. Its slick well produced and funky. Its no Beyonce but for British R&B this is excellent, and its wicked on a dancefloor to get down to. 4/5

SEE IT IN A BOYS EYES

My favourite song of ‘Thank You’ without question. I was gutted when this failed to make number one. It was a big hit in late 2004 and is a really atmospheric ballad. Co-written by Chris Martin (of Coldplay, what is it with him and R&B diva’s) it too was added to the revamped ‘Thank You’, its very piano lead – not really surprising! The writing pays off with what is possibly her most haunting single yet. I wanna see more of this Jamelia on her next album, I simply love this song. 6/5

TAXI

Another slick slice of R&B comes in form of ‘Taxi’. Its quite instant but the “taxi, taxi” bit is a bit annoying! I love the lyric “grab your coat you’ve pulled tonight”. All about women taking the lead Jamelia’s vocals are harder whether that is intentional I don’t know, she even raps. It is slick as I’ve said and is quite sleazy at the same time. Its quality R&B but its not a favourite. 3/5

DIRTY DIRTY

This has hard Urban sound to it. With electro beats backing her Jamelia raps her way through what could be a So Solid cast off. It makes an intresting change from the gentle full bodied vocals she generally uses. She does sound very british when she raps, if you know what I mean. Not a bad tune!
4/5

CLUB HOPPIN’

Featuring huge US Rapper Bubba Sparxx to rap on this tune is a good idea. You know full well with the style of music and this guest rapper that Jamelia is aiming to break America. With this song she could no question. I am surprised she didn’t release this tune cos its far superior to ‘DJ’. Its very catchy merges urban and R&B with a hint of pop and electro, very clever! 5/5

CUTIE

This has a hint that Twista or Kanye West has stamped there imprints on this track. Its one of those funny animal/baby samples in the background. But Twista and Kanye have been nowhere near this proving that Jamelia and the team behind Jamelia are the forefront of UK r&b. Here Jamelia rap sings in one with the occasional “yo yo yo” thrown in for good measure. 4/5

BOUNCE

My least favourite song of the album so far. This is harsh and random urban. Its not amazingly catchy and while the lyrics and vocals are very sexy the backing beat annoys the hell of me! It gets better in the chorus and shows signs of ‘grower’ potential so maybe I need a few more listens. 3/5

BOUT

Featuring Rah Digga (never heard of him) this was the first single from ‘Thank You’ whih just made top 10. From the start this is wicked. I love the full on trumpets extreme in the intro but ever present through out the whole song. I’m not sure what a ‘bout’ is but I think it’s a fine guy! That’s what I’ve made from it. This is super catchy and should have done better! 5/5

OFF DA ENDZ

That’s right she can even spell ‘hood’ style lol. This is a weird piece that I don’t know if I love or loathe. A bit much is going on with samples, electro and drums kinda making music but clashing. It could be really good or really bad bu I never listen far enough to find out. Oh, it features Asher D but I’ve never gotten far enough to see what he does on the track. 3/5

B.I.T.C.H

Jamelia how rude! Hahaha! “Beautiful, Intellegent, Talented, Cool, Honey” she singingly explains is what she means.This song is a reggae bit of r&b fun. Its not a favourite but its cool. I like the lyric “I’m a bitch tonight, I’ll show you bitch, bitch” ok who’s the bitch her or her what lol! Theres a very very good rap on this almost of Lisa ‘Left Eye’ quality. 4/5

LIFE

Now a bonus track this was actually a normal album track (as was Antidote), but with the revamped Thank You, it got put as a bonus which doesn’t do this justice. “I’m a bout to do life for you” this was inspired by Chicago and woman dark sides. Shes not doing life for being with him… lets say that. This is a really really good song. Its catchy quite dark in sound and style but its got hit written all over it. I love her vocals too… another autobiographical piece Jamelia? 6/5

ANTIDOTE

“If you ever feel like you need someone to be your antidote to lonely” are the simple opening lyrics. Shame this is a ‘bonus’ track because its on the level of ‘See It In A Boy’s Eyes’… almost! This is an atmospheric affair with haunting lyrics and vocals to match and could easily have sat in the Top 10 should it have been released. I love this song.

Overall this is a superb album and Jamelia is undoubtedly a superb artist. I wouldn’t be surprised if she is massive in America within minutes of its release there. Pop, R&B, and urban, with cry worthy ballads… what more could you want? 10/10

Cheers for reading!