Those of you who regularly read my reviews know I’m not a huge fan of covers albums.
In a tricky industry, often quality original material is ignored by radio in favour of overseas talent.
So how does a talented Aussie artist like Samantha Jade keep the public interested and share her talent with the world? The dreaded covers album.
For her latest release, Sammi’s gone disco.
‘Best Of My Love’ is a collection of classic disco tracks with a couple of originals and a funky remix thrown in for good measure.
On first listen, the album doesn’t throw in any surprises and comes across quite flat.
Working with writer/producer powerhouse Louis Schoorl (Jessica Mauboy, Guy Sebastian, Tina Arena) on the majority of songs, things feel polished but a bit too mellow.
That being said, when Samantha connects to a song and is given the ability to let loose, she hits a home run.
Things really get started on this album when you get to ‘I Feel Love’. Featuring a modern arrangement and soaring vocals, it’s hard not to engage with the song.
A testament to the original song writers, it’s the first time we hear Sammi let rip. The falsetto, the runs and the commitment to the song make this one of the best on offer.
Continuing the good stuff, ‘Hot Stuff’ has been given good attention and feels fresh, new and high quality. Played loudly (yes, I have tried this), you can feel every ounce of effort that’s been put into this song.
Sammi has some killer vocal runs in this too and if the rest of the songs had been given the same level of attention this song’s been given, it might have felt a bit more engaging.
Out of the new songs on offer here, none of them quite fit the disco bill, but are great tunes.
‘Rollerskates’ is a bonkers slice of Scandi-pop with a lot going on and the new remix of ‘Best Of My Love’ is really fresh and cool.
My pick of the new tunes is ‘Let Me Love You’. Not only is it beautifully written with a powerful message, it feels fresh. As discussed in her interview with our very own Brad, new music is on the way and if it’s in the same league as this tune, she will be onto a winner.
Sammi has released a whole bunch of amazing songs since winning ‘The X Factor’ all those years ago, enough to do a proper tour.
The music contributed to that back catalogue from this release will provide some great live moments, which will be exciting to see.
When given the space to deliver, Samantha Jade does so in spades.
While this album is neat and tidy, it leaves a little to be desired.
I’m grateful for the big moments, but wish there had been more.
VERDICT : 3/5.
MUST LISTEN : I Feel Love, Hot Stuff, Let Me Love You.
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