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Editorial Reviews
U.S. edition includes bonus track. Debut from the X Factor finalist with the smoky Neo-Soul voice. Rebecca Ferguson began working on her major-label debut in early 2011, mere weeks after becoming the show's 2010 runner-up. Heaven sketches out a soulful sound similar to Duffy and Corrine Bailey Ray. Ferguson puts her own stamp on the music by co-writing every track, including the lead single 'Nothing's Real But Love.' Most X Factor finalists load their debut albums with cover songs and schmaltzy ballads; Ferguson, an established songwriter as well as a singer, proves there are other avenues worth exploring.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Steve Cruz
Format:Audio CD
Those who love well-crafted songs and classic soul REJOICE! The debut album, HEAVEN, from Rebecca Ferguson, a 26-year-old from Wales with a brilliantly unique voice and top-drawer songwriting skills, wis a collection of yummy adult pop songs dipped in luscious vintage soul.
Runner-up in the 2010 British X-Factor competition, Ferguson was refreshing, classy and original in a TV genre known for contestants with more gall than talent. Ferguson advanced to the finals, but didn't win (despite the support of high-profile supporters like Adele, who voted over 80 times for Rebecca).
Past contestants have been harshly critical of the X-Factor, not Ferguson. Though she could have benefited from greater confidence, Rebecca possesses what is rare among competitors: dignity.
Ferguson's voice blends Aretha's powerful intonation and Nina Simone's polished imperfection. There is no trace of insecurity on HEAVEN, every word and note rings with assurance.
Rebecca's range of expression is captured with expert production by Eg White (Adele, Duffy), Wayne Hector (Tom Jones, Toni Braxton) and Fraser T. Smith (Leona Lewis).
Honest vocals verging on a session sound set her apart from the herd of auto-tuned popstars yodeling up and down the scales. She delivers each song with conviction.
The ballad "Shoulder To Shoulder" is a poetic gem about affection and argument that begins with the stunning confession: "I feel safe when you're near me, and I can hold you completely... though you constantly hurt me."
The locomotion of "Run Free" is reminiscent of the churning bass from Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." "Mr. Bright Eyes" is a flirty track that could be a Motown golden-era hit. The dizzying strings, brassy horns and the stage band verve of "Fighting Suspicions" sound like a classic James Bond theme. The punchy bonus track "Backtrack" sounds cheerful, but tells the story of a woman who refuses to put up with her lover's transgressions. Ferguson's first U.K. single "Giltter & Gold" is a cautionary tale for those who would be tempted to barter their soul for gain.
The piano/viola ballad "Teach Me How To Be Loved" washes over with quiet intensity and sheer vulnerability:
"One foot onto the ice, I hold my breath and try to believe...
"The fallen empires, the shattered glass, the wicked echoes of my past,
"I've seen it all before, that's why I'm asking:
"Will you still be here tomorrow, or will you leave in the dead of the night?
"So your waves don't crash around me, I'm staying one step ahead of the tide.
"Will you leave me lost in my shadows, or will you pull me into your light?
"Teach me how to be loved."
Through all the moods of this album, the focus remains firmly on Ferguson's vocals; and it's a terrific instrument fueled by heart, not vocal acrobatics. HEAVEN restores adult concerns to the R&B genre that have been largely missing for the past few decades.
Rebecca Ferguson proves that she is romantic, but not a sap.
Runner-up in the 2010 British X-Factor competition, Ferguson was refreshing, classy and original in a TV genre known for contestants with more gall than talent. Ferguson advanced to the finals, but didn't win (despite the support of high-profile supporters like Adele, who voted over 80 times for Rebecca).
Past contestants have been harshly critical of the X-Factor, not Ferguson. Though she could have benefited from greater confidence, Rebecca possesses what is rare among competitors: dignity.
Ferguson's voice blends Aretha's powerful intonation and Nina Simone's polished imperfection. There is no trace of insecurity on HEAVEN, every word and note rings with assurance.
Rebecca's range of expression is captured with expert production by Eg White (Adele, Duffy), Wayne Hector (Tom Jones, Toni Braxton) and Fraser T. Smith (Leona Lewis).
Honest vocals verging on a session sound set her apart from the herd of auto-tuned popstars yodeling up and down the scales. She delivers each song with conviction.
The ballad "Shoulder To Shoulder" is a poetic gem about affection and argument that begins with the stunning confession: "I feel safe when you're near me, and I can hold you completely... though you constantly hurt me."
The locomotion of "Run Free" is reminiscent of the churning bass from Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean." "Mr. Bright Eyes" is a flirty track that could be a Motown golden-era hit. The dizzying strings, brassy horns and the stage band verve of "Fighting Suspicions" sound like a classic James Bond theme. The punchy bonus track "Backtrack" sounds cheerful, but tells the story of a woman who refuses to put up with her lover's transgressions. Ferguson's first U.K. single "Giltter & Gold" is a cautionary tale for those who would be tempted to barter their soul for gain.
The piano/viola ballad "Teach Me How To Be Loved" washes over with quiet intensity and sheer vulnerability:
"One foot onto the ice, I hold my breath and try to believe...
"The fallen empires, the shattered glass, the wicked echoes of my past,
"I've seen it all before, that's why I'm asking:
"Will you still be here tomorrow, or will you leave in the dead of the night?
"So your waves don't crash around me, I'm staying one step ahead of the tide.
"Will you leave me lost in my shadows, or will you pull me into your light?
"Teach me how to be loved."
Through all the moods of this album, the focus remains firmly on Ferguson's vocals; and it's a terrific instrument fueled by heart, not vocal acrobatics. HEAVEN restores adult concerns to the R&B genre that have been largely missing for the past few decades.
Rebecca Ferguson proves that she is romantic, but not a sap.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Wonderful album. Great songs and faultless vocals.
Good mix of songs on the album, up-tempo and ballads. The fact that rebecca co-wrote them makes this debut even more incredible.
Good mix of songs on the album, up-tempo and ballads. The fact that rebecca co-wrote them makes this debut even more incredible.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Rebecca Ferguson is a rare breed. Her voice is something that is not to be taken lighttly. The critics say it is the "perfect cross between Aretha Franklin and Amy Winehouse" and I believe every word of it. This album is a wonderful ensemble of beautiful ballads, and nice uptempo songs. And not a single song is overproduced. I recommend this album to anyone who loves soul, or has fallen in love with Adele (which is the entire world).
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful
This is a wonderful singer. She will go far if she chooses to continue to sing this type music. Wonderful'
Published 4 days ago by Cheryl M. Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great buying from Amazon and good service
I have bought a number of items from Amazon
Music C.D,Jewellery and Books and D.V.D.for
my grandchildren I have also bought clothing
I am very happy with... Read more
Music C.D,Jewellery and Books and D.V.D.for
my grandchildren I have also bought clothing
I am very happy with... Read more
Published 18 days ago by SARK
5.0 out of 5 stars
My Journey To Rebecca ferguson
A few months ago, my wife asked me to make a gospel CD for her so I decided I would add my favorite gospel song `Amazing Grace'. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Oliver Harris
5.0 out of 5 stars
Met my expectation
Someone at work told me about this artist. When I heard the whole album I feel in love with her voice. She is so soulful. It kind of reminds me of Adelle and Anita Baker mixture.
Published 1 month ago by prislane
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely
Her voice reminds me of a young Aretha Franklin or Randy Crawford. Definitely worth the purchase. Will buy her again.
Published 1 month ago by Sandra Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great CD
I really enjoy the singer and CD. I love most of the songs; like others. It is one of the best CDs I have heard in awhile.
Published 1 month ago by Snoopy
4.0 out of 5 stars
I Like This CD.
Although Rebecca Ferguson was virtually unknown to me at the time I purchased this CD, I feel I made a good purchase. I would recommend it. Britain certainly does have talent!
Published 2 months ago by B. Richardson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Old school and new school mix is here. love her voice.
I was in love with her voice and when I heard the whole cd, I was going to not only buy it but love it too.
Published 2 months ago by Marie Simpson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth All the Praise!
This CD is well worth all the praise of five stars, no need to skip ANY songs. I, my daughter, and my husband enjoy this entire CD. Read more
Published 3 months ago by prfordrn
5.0 out of 5 stars
A blessing from heaven to music industry
I have a soft spot for Rebecca Furguson. The reason is because there are people in my family with the last name Ferguson and one name is named Rebecca. Read more
Published 3 months ago by ZheyAyoK
