It was on Chipmunk’s “Diamond Rings” that I first heard
Emeli Sande and it was shortly after Naughty Boy’s UK Top 20 hit “Never Be Your Woman” that
her record deal was announced. Emeli was featured on Professor Green’s “Kids That Love to Dance” as well as Devlin’s debut album, but it was
on Tinie Tempah’s “Let Go” that she shined again. Given the fact that
she was signed and she had made some notable collaborations, would she be able deliver
with her solo material? And is she able to craft hits of her own? Read on to
find out…
Emeli Sande’s debut single (and the first track on Our Version
of Events) “Heaven”, was an exciting introduction to Emeli and what
her solo material would sound like. It’s one of Our Version of Events‘ highlights and sets the pace for the rest of the album.
Emeli Sande’s second collaboration with Professor Green, “Read All About It” went straight to the top of the UK Singles chart.
As Alicia Keys did when she sang on Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind”,
Emeli Sande has included a solo version of the song “Read All About It(Pt. III)” on Our Version of Events.
While Emeli Sande’s part on Professor Green’s “Read All About It” was the strongest part of the song, Emeli’s solo version misses
the contrast between Pro’s rap and Emeli’s singing. But it will at least allow
for the song to be part of her live set since Professor Green will not always
be able to turn up to her gigs.
Emeli’s second single “Daddy” continued with the breakbeat/ soul mix that was on “Heaven”. A story of a woman’s fight against evil, whether it’s against drugs or a useless lover I’m not sure but it makes for an interesting tale. Not Emeli’s best single especially when compared to her next single “Next To Me”. Whether it’s a song about Emeli’s faith or a lover it is not clear, what is certain is that “Next To Me” is a great uplifting song.
With that being said it’s hard to mention Emeli stealing
anything but it’s something that occurs on more than one occasion on Our Version of Events. On “Heaven” Emeli mentions
“stealing from the poor” and on “Where I Sleep” she claims
“there’s nothing I wouldn’t steal or borrow”. Those references to
theft are mere in comparison to “Breaking The Law” on which Emily
sings “When you need to smile/ But you can’t afford it / Go on point it
out/ I’m gonna steal it.” The thief theme is summed up by the chorus’ opening lyrics “I’ll never stop/ Breaking the law for you.”
“River” is a beautiful song about how Emeli will
be there to support her partner, another reoccurring theme on the album. Lyrics
like “Wherever you’re standing, I will be by your side/ through the good,
through the bad, I’ll never be hard to find” reaffirm the fact that Emeli
will stand by her partner in good and bad times. Lyrically this song is great,
it is a touching and emotion song-easily the best song on the album. Our
Version of Events‘ other acoustic song “Clown” is one that could have
done with more percussion, to make it a more enjoyable listen. Something like
Emeli’s next single “Mountains”, on which a kick doesn’t appear until
the chorus and it isn’t until towards the end that a snare kicks in, would have
been more enjoyable.
In Summary:
Our Version of Events draws on Soul, RnB and Hip Hop
influences to take you on an emotional but enjoyable ride. The songs are well crafted;
the time and care that was poured into them can be seen in lyrics and the
production. At the time of writing, Our Version of Events is at the top of the
UK Album Chart and “Next To Me” is number two in the singles chart
(Emeli’s second solo Top 3 UK single). Something that is well deserved and further
proof that good music can sell.
HIGHS:
“Heaven”
“Where I Sleep”
“Maybe”
“River”
“My Kind Of Love”
“My Kind Of Love”
LOW(S):
“Clown”
avoid | Stream | Recommend
Rating:
