London singer Rox lends her impressive vocals to a twelve song collection of contemporary soul songs. Her fast paced pop numbers are brilliantly infectious, but some more sombre slow songs leave something to be desired.
At the beginning of the year, young Roxanne Tataei was touted as one of the next big voice of 2010. Six months later, and after the hype has died down, the 21 year old Londoner releases her debut album, a collection of gospel, pop and reggae influenced soul songs. No doubt, Rox will be lumped in amongst the Duffys, Adeles and Amy Winehouses of this world, as her funky style of blue-eyed soul is often reminiscent of the genre that was so fashionable in and around 2007, though admittedly less trendy.
Memoirs' finest moments are those where Rox is backed by joyous gospel choirs. A hand clap inducing beat and catchy chorus make opener 'No Going Back' immediately engaging, while 'I Don't Believe Me' shimmers brightly with 60s doo-wop. And while the choir that backs Rox on 'Page Unfolds' is mournful rather than full of joy, she uses the suspenseful tale of heartbreak to prove she has the voice to compete with the big boys, or gals, as the case may be.
Sadly, Memoirs' downside is an overabundance of doleful acoustic ballads. Though several, including the string-laden 'Forever Always Wishing', are genuinely affecting, their proliferation eventually becomes tiresome. Rox deviates from the prevailing modern soul style to introduce bouncy reggae on 'Rocksteady', making a welcome change of tone, though it is shamefully brief. On this evidence, Rox may be an exceptional talent, but hasn't quite managed to find her niche yet.
