Beverley Knight

This is what you get in abundance with Ms Knight. Suprisingly she is not the main player of British R+B scene that you would expect her to be. Beverley seems to have a preference for concentrating on the kind of music she wants to produce rather than following the trends and foibles of modern R+B, but trust me you love her all the more for the route she has taken.
This album is a testament to her grondbreaking stance aswell as her outstanding vocal range and Bev, bless her, always tips a wink at influeneces from old genre's such as Blues, Soul and Motown.
I will never for the life of me understand why she isn't more popular than she is, this collection of her best works is sublime and utterly beautiful. Tracks to look out for are Sista Sista, Greatest Day, Keep this fire burning and her totally excellent version of Another peice of my heart. Buy and try it! You will not be dissapointed!

This is a great compilation of her songs. As a new fan, this was a great find for me! This would also be a great present to any of your friends who have never heard of Beverley and you want to share how AMAZING this woman is.

This is what you get in abundance with Ms Knight. Suprisingly she is not the main player of British R+B scene that you would expect her to be. Beverley seems to have a preference for concentrating on the kind of music she wants to produce rather than following the trends and foibles of modern R+B, but trust me you love her all the more for the route she has taken.
This album is a testament to her grondbreaking stance aswell as her outstanding vocal range and Bev, bless her, always tips a wink at influeneces from old genre's such as Blues, Soul and Motown.
I will never for the life of me understand why she isn't more popular than she is, this collection of her best works is sublime and utterly beautiful. Tracks to look out for are Sista Sista, Greatest Day, Keep this fire burning and her totally excellent version of Another peice of my heart. Buy and try it! You will not be dissapointed!

This is a great compilation of her songs. As a new fan, this was a great find for me! This would also be a great present to any of your friends who have never heard of Beverley and you want to share how AMAZING this woman is.

I heard this cd 4 years ago, my cousin brought it from England. I had never heard of her. But she has a beautiful voice. Not a bad song on the cd. I just wonder why she wasn't released in the U.S.
She is better than any artists I have been hearing lately!

It still baffles me when talented artists such as Miss Knight are only known in limited circles around the world. If Beverley Knight looks like your typical r&b princess, think again. While it is odd that she garners comparisons to Sade in her popularity (Sade is both a jazz vocalist and much more well known), it doesn't come unfounded. Both are uniquely beautiful and both have the ability to let their lyrics transcend cliche's and affect the human spirit and mind. While Sade isn't as emotive in her expression of the lyrics, Miss Knight never holds back. This is evident on tracks such as 'Same (As I Ever Was)', 'Hurricane Jane', and the haunting and awe-inspiring track 'Gold'. It is fair to say that Beverley Knight doesn't have a horrible track on the album. Many people might mis-conceive the albums glossy photos and overall package for a party album. This is a slower, but the nonetheless stirring album album from Knight.

She effortlessly dabbles in blues, gritty soul, lush balladry, and dancehall reggae. Beverley Knights vocal range is astounding. She gracefully evokes the likes of Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan, but she has the ability to create her own persona through the personal songs on this album. Other r&b divas well-known in the U.S. should count their blessings that Miss Knight hasn't yet graced us with her artistry, because this sistah can roll with the best of them.

The r&b genre is, at times, bland and repetitive. Beverley Knight is a breath of fresh air. Her poise, vocal ability, amazing lyrics, and stirring melodies put her a cut above the rest.

Standout Tracks:

Get Up!: A great dance track. One of the few on the album. Miss Knight successfully blends dancehall music with r&b vocals and melodies. Her voice on this track is amazing.

Shape of You: Lyrical content is beautiful. A poised and graceful track from Miss Knight. The remix is also great.

Fallen Soldier: Once again proves that Miss Knight posseses control over her voice. The lyrics are haunting and beautiful and Beverley's voice is soul stirring. A definite fave!

Hurrican Jane: All I can say is: Girl can sing! Miss Knight blows this track up! The lyrics are fresh and have a poetic tone. It is one of the blues infused tracks on the album.

Bestseller Mystery: Beverley absolutely shines on this track. Her voice is big, proud and unashamedly soulful. Proves that blues and contemporary r&b do mix.

Gold: What can I say? Best song on the album. Lyrics gave me the chills. Very inspiring. Miss Knight's vocals are subdued, but clearly have roots in gospel. Amazing song.

"Who I Am" is an excellent record: far better than many pallid efforts by contemporary British soul artists and with simply more tunes than her American equivalents who can pad out their albums to 78 minutes by including too much filler, BK is a marvellous singer and makes the most of her voice on the range of material here from the dancehally "Get Up" to the smooth soul duet with Musiq Soulchild "Beautiful Contradiction" via the joyously assertive "Same As I Ever Was" raucous rocky "BestSeller Mystery" and poppy "ShouldaWouldaCoulda".

I was looking for more funky cuts on this cd it's kinda of ballad like. but the girl got some pipes on her.

One of the finest albums I own. Beverley Knight is one hell of a performer. I had the privalige to see her perform at the Hammersmith Apollo (uk) in december of 2002 and she did not dissapoint.
It was her "Who I Am" tour - and that is the title of her third album.
Its great to see a british female soul artist bringing out such quality - something at is lacking into today's music scene.

This album is for anyone who loves to hear a great voice - a voice which is powerful and at the same time clear and crisp.

Track 1 - Get Up
The first single to be taken from the album. Its such a perfect beginning. Has a bit of a reggea feel and is a track you will be humming along to the more you listen to it. Excellent.

Track 2 - Shoulda Woulda Coulda
The top 10 hit should be familiar to many of you. A great song, sung with real heart (as most of her songs are).

Track 3 - Shape Of You
A beautifuly written song with some very touching lyrics.

Track 4 - Fallen Soilder
An acoustic song which I love to just lie back and listen to. Bev's voice is just spine tingling. One of the albums corkers.

Track 5 - Beautiful Contridiction (duet with Musiq Soulchild)
Such a pity this wasn't a single. I love Musiq soulchild and for him to do a duet with the queen of nu-soul is just top notch. The song has one fantastic beat, with both artists adding there style. Highly recommend you listen to this song.

Track 6 - Hurricain Jane
In my opinion its the albums weakest song. Which is not to say its a bad song, but in comparison to the rest of the album this to me is the track which lacks a certain something.

Track 7 - Same (as i ever was)
Bev shows off her funky soul ability. And it works like a charm! Its a message to the world that she is the same girl who grew up in Woverhampton all those years ago. Great song, great lyrics.

Track 8 - Whatever's Clever
Like track 8 - its a funk soul number which I think is just a bit better than Same (as i ever was).

Once again her voice is faultless, and I believe that musically this is the best song on the album.

Track 9 - Ambition (it all comes 2 you)
For anyone with an ambition - this is the song for you. Its such a beautiful song. Beverley knight goes up in my estimation once more for this track. Its a beautiful song. The Lyrics are just breathtaking and add great lyrics to a voice like Miss Knights - and you have a great song.

Track 10 - Bestseller Mystery
The album makes a bit of a music change here with track 10. Blues is the theme of music choice in this one. and after all RnB stands for Rhythem & Blues. But some people forget that. Not Beverley Knight.

Track 11 - Gold
The third single from this album. And yes Bev - you are gold.
I don't know really what to say about this song. Its just fantastic.

Bonus track - Who I am
Can the album get any better? Yep - with this accapella. Her voice is on full display here - shes a performer who could sing anywhere with little preperation - simply because shes a natural talent. Very refreshing.

I've heard many many albums - but none sung with the amount of heart and soul Beverley Knight sings with.

A must for people who appreicate great music.

I was sold on this album with the opening track which has a raw footapping bluesey sound the rest of the album is more soul orientated but none the less gripping for it. Beverley has a singularley superb voice which is show cased on the classic styled underproduced (classic production sound) sounding tracks on this CD. I will not pick out individual tracks as I do/will not influence people as to which tracks to listen to, just stick in your player and listen to an excellent vocalist singing superb songs.

wow! i first heard this on a trip to england and it blew me away! i didnt know who was singing - it sounded like some old R'n'B great from the late 60's or early 70's! her voice is raw , powerful , just full of soul and the tracks are all unbelievable, non-stop classics !! I didn't think anyone made music like this anymore- too bad it will never be released here, definitely get it on import. astonishing.I havent stopped listening to it since i came back .

One reads that and they may interpret it as a backhanded compliment, but it is not meant to be. It is just this disc has incredible potential to be a huge hit with the boomer Starbuck crowd. They promoted McCartney's new disc that way, and this is so much better. I am reminded of Tina Turner's "Private Dancer" disc in the way that these songs appeal to such a wide audience. I also believe this is much better than Tina's biggest solo breakout disc. To think that this is recorded in Nashville yet has not been released stateside yet, just blows me away. The disc opens with one of the bluesier tracks "Every Time You See Me Smile" with Ronnie Wood contributing. He plays on two other tracks, but oddly enough not on the outstanding Stones cover "Time is on my side". "After you" is a single in the UK, why it isn't a single here in the states? Well, your guess is as good as mine. I think Ms. Knight has one of the most powerful voices if not the most powerful voice recording today. But beyond that, her material is just so damned good. Other highlights are "No Man's Land" and "Saviour". "Black Butta" is the song that most reminds me of a Tina Turner song, in particular Tina's version of "Nutbush City Limits". She does a very good cover of "Rock Steady" as well though it is not one of the discs highlights. Amazing that this was recorded in 5 days. Hopefully she will return to Nashville for another week or so very soon. There has not been a better disc released this year. Now record company execs need to get their head out their rears and release this gem stateside. And please put her on tour here. I promise you at least two ticket sales.

Her last set of new songs Affirmation saw Knight trespassing on Anastacia's territory, attempting a big rock-r'n'b crossover affair which was vaguely disappointing after the wealth of good songs on Who I Am.

"Music City Soul", however, pretty much does what it says on the wrapper. This is a present-day conjuring of classic soul with the odd cover like the Stones' "Time Is On My Side" thrown in.

Recorded in double-quick time, there is a rawness to the vocal performances, and a classy timelessness to the brassy, authentic arrangements.

Talking of Stones, Ronnie Wood adds his guitar to three tracks, so bowled over was he by Knight's voice.

She does indeed sound ever more impressive with every outing.
When the energetic Black Butta winds into frenetic action, it's difficult not to think of her as a Tina Turner for the new millennium.

One thing's for sure, when it comes to UK soul divas, Beverley is certainly showing Joss Stone how it should be done.

This is the first CD I have heard from Beverley and I was very impressed. She is an outstanding vocalist and this album is so good that it is unreal. This is an album that is strong from start to finish, you will not find any filler here. It is amazing that such a classic album could be recorded in five days. [...]. Thank you Beverley.

I first came across this cd after watching the British series "Hex" which featured "Come As You Are" in one of the episodes. I wish I had known about Knight earlier. I love every track on this cd. This is a great energizer!

Ms Knight has been a side-line contender of British r+b/soul
for several years, I can never figure if being on the side line is her choice or that the tough Music Industry has made it that way because they prefer to market very young artists such as Jamelia (infinitely less talented than Ms Knight in my opinion).
I suspect the reason Ms Knight remains somewhat sidelined is a combination of the two reasons, I think she has the view that the slick production, writing and vocal dexterity is of greater importance to her than over-hyped marketing of her work.
While this adds a certain cache of quality to her music it does mariginalise her appeal, which is the shame because she does what she does so incredibly well. This album is a great testament to her talent, beautifully and skillfuly written tracks which are indeed about affirmation at many levels. But it is always her voice which is the unique selling point, clear, crisp, with amazing range and dexterity and the ability to crystalise an emotion in a moment of pure auditory pleasure.
She can truely send you and both ensnare and clearly communicate a feeling in her art form, the sign of a truely accomplished artist. I will not give you a account of each track as that has been done well enough here, suffice to say the album is beautiful and sublime and a worthy addition to any collection.

British R&B is on the rise, what with Jamelia conquering the charts and many other bands that have given life to union jack soul. One of those bottom-dwellers that are sung heroes is Beverly Knight. Entering a market that is not very friendly to soul and excelling throughout time. One might remember Knight from her past victories, such as her debut album Prodigal Sista, which made the MOBOs happy but failed to cross borders, stating this is not to undermine the quality of this soultress's efforts.

Who I Am, her second album, managed to establish profound ground and further launch her name. Garnering hits such as the loud perseverance anthem 'Get Up' and the ballad `Gold.' She also notched up another hit with 'Shoulda Coulda Woulda,' empowering many and building a number of admirers. Who I Am was a sophomore effect that did not suffer from the infamous downfall.

Knight revisits the charts with the new hit song 'Come as You Are,' which surprises everyone as it is a tribute to rock music and is a strikingly defined tune.

This third album, Affirmation, is both a departure from older albums and an enhancement of previous styles. As 'Not Too Late for Love' portrays an escalation from latter singles in the way of soul balladry.

There are some stand-out tracks on Affirmation. The breath-taking 'Tea & Sympathy' takes center stage along with the melancholy bliss of 'Salvador,' which displays a lot of pain for a long lost special person from disease.

Other triumphs include 'Straight Jacket' and 'Fatal Factor.' Otherwise the album settles with mediocre ditties like 'First Time' and 'No One Ever Loves In Vain.'

Knight has released her best album yet, however is will be hard to determine whether she will marvel in the world of Javines and Jamelia's. 'Keep This Fire Burning' is a treat that describes Beverly. It is a track strong on melody and lyrics, but doesn't concentrate on the general mass's yearning for something glitzy and hip. Knight is not afraid to play with beats and genres to carve out beats that are consistent and delicious. Sometimes knight's balladry turns out to be flavorless and MOR. However, the other tracks make up for it.

Affirmation is an evolution to the better.

Beverley Knight has been pretty popular in the UK, but here in the US she's relatively an unknown...That's too bad because a lotta people have been missing out on this amazing R&B/hip-hop/soul talent. "Affirmation," her latest album, is arguably her best album, even though she distances herself from the realm of R&B/hip-hop. The production on the songs here state that she's more interested in just being free with whatever her music sounds like, which the alternative/acoustic-driven soul numbers do indicate poignantly. Not only that, but the radio friendly sheen and her amazing voice make this an incredible package of great tracks. Here's a track-by-track review of the album:

1. "Come As You Are" - The first single and a stunning on in fact. It builds up during the end. It sounds rockish at first, but it's got a very Motown reference to it, especially the explosive gospel-like ending. Great track!

2. "Not Too Late For Love" - The second single and it's lush. Very mature and very nostalgic at the same time. It's got great potential to be played live because of its production (which basically reflects most of the mood of the album). A subtle classic.

3. "First Time" - One of the most emotional tracks on the album, this slow number was cowritten by Coldplay's Christ Martin. That explains the graceful piano. It's really an amazing track.

4. "Straight Jacket" - Definitely one of the standout tracks on the album. It's full of drama and melancholy. It's one of the moodiest tracks on the album. The alternative sound of the guitar mixed with soulful vocal histrionics makes this an epic of a track. Beverley Knight sings with such conviction.

5. "Keep This Fire Burning" - One of the lighter tracks on the album, yet still heavy on production. It's midtempo mixed with a cut-up strings in order to make it sound more hip. It's a sophisticated almost club track.

6. "No One Ever Loves In Vain" - Another slow piano-laden track. Beverley Knight belts out with this song and it's a very good track (full of emotion).

7. "Affirmation" - Another moody track. It's not as directly poweful as "Straight Jacket," yet it's atmospheric subtleties make it an endearing track. Slowly builds, but still empowering.

8. "Supasonic" - Another lite track. It's a very chill, yet pretty midtempo track. Many people think it's Beverley's Take On Prince. Pretty damn good chanelling attempt there. It's funky.

9. "Tea And Sympathy" - Has an almost classical feel to it because of the orchestration. Brings a scene of tea time in a Victorian garden mixed with hip-hop beats. It's very adult contemporary, but very sweet and sentimental too.

10. "Below My Radar" - One of, if not, the dreamiest track in the album. It brings an image of looking out the window while riding a car in a long road with the cool wind blowing against your face and blue sky. Very slow and chilled out, yet nice.

11. "Under The Same Sun" - Not quit a super slow track, but less than midtempo, it's almost playful. It's a subtle track where Beverley doesn't sing too hard.

12. "Till I See Ya" - Sounds exactly like Black-Eyed Peas' "Where Is The Love?" with the orchestration and production, but Beverley Knight carries on with grace and finesse in this track. Love the guitar parts to it too.

13. "Salvador" - Another moody, yet subtle track. It's production is eerie, plus there's some Latin elements to it. It's a poignant, emotional track about AIDS, but Beverley didn't need to oversing to make this track bounce out. It's subtle, yet potent.

14. "Remember Me" - The most bare moment in the album: it's just Bev and the piano (not much in production). Amazing vocals on this track. Great way to end an emotional roller coaster of an album...Or is it?...

15. "Fatal Factor" (UK bonus track) - Just as "Remember Me" ends the album in a slow pace, this explosive track comes along much like "Come As You Are" busted into the opening. It's very groove-like and almost a club track, but it's almost got some gospel in it. A nice contemporary R&B/hip-hop track and a truly great way to finish such an amazing album.

Over all, Bev's topped the promises she's made on her last 3 albums. This fourth one is no exception and her current moment to shine. It's amazing and should be highly regarded! Good luck to her in the future!

Soul is a term used loosely these days. Few singers, and artists at that, actually possess it. But Beverley...Beverley Knight is the epitome of soul. On this, her fourth and likely best album, is a blend of rock, soul, funk, and blues. Miss Knight has continuously broken down barriers created to limit urban artists to a certain 'sound.' Knight has continuously said that she tires of being put into a certain african american female vocalist category meant to "Ghettoise" her image. She accomplishes that and much more on Affirmation. There is a certain melancholy feel to this album. With the exception of the uplifting and funky 'Keep This Fire Burning', the Tina Turner esque 'Come as You Are' complete with Knight's Mick Jagger/Pat Benatar swagger, and the sexual Prince-like romp of 'Supasonic', much of the album is steeped in personal reflection. According to several message boards, the album was inspired by one of Bev's dear friends who died of AIDS. Beverley confronts death several times on her newest outing. On the soul wrenching 'Remeber Me', it is Beverley and her piano. Her raw vocal passion emits a pain that only she has felt.

On the strings laden 'Tea and Sympathy', Knight's classy vocals and positive lyrics radiate a sensual and warm feeling. 'Below my Radar', with its acoustic guitar and Knight's confessional lyrics is an honest and refreshing, folk/blues song.

Affirmation is an album where every song is excellent. Beverley Knight has grown into a full fledged songwriter, and her vocals...simply amazing. The album is a collective remembrance of life, love, sex, and human nature. Beverley Knight is a true soul singer who has the ability to affect anyone and everyone with her passion and that incredible soul voice. This is a definite must have for any music lover. Beverley is truly a force of nature and is not be slept on. American music buyers will be missing out if they do not experience the prodigy that is Beverley Knight.

Best Tracks:
'Remember Me': Heart-breaking, soulful. A soul gem. Beverley and her piano make a winning combination. The best song on the album...

'Come As You Are': Beverley's voice is so powerful on this track. Any other singer might have been overpowered by it's rock edge, but Beverley's lush and proud vocals sweep over this great dance tune.

'Keep This Fire Burning': Robyn originally recorded this up-beat dance tune. The up-lifting 'i'll be there for you' message plus the lush beats and Bev's confident vocals will keep you dancing for hours.

'Till I See Ya': This semi-angry/semi-confessional song is sung passionately by Miss Knight. The strings laden melody make it another standout.

'Tea and Sympathy': This song is sensual and beautiful. It is an excellent slow jam. Lyrically superb.

'First Time': A heartbreaking track fueled by Knight's blazing vocals and poetic lyrics. Another soul gem.

I first came across this cd after watching the British series "Hex" which featured "Come As You Are" in one of the episodes. I wish I had known about Knight earlier. I love every track on this cd. This is a great energizer!

Ms Knight has been a side-line contender of British r+b/soul
for several years, I can never figure if being on the side line is her choice or that the tough Music Industry has made it that way because they prefer to market very young artists such as Jamelia (infinitely less talented than Ms Knight in my opinion).
I suspect the reason Ms Knight remains somewhat sidelined is a combination of the two reasons, I think she has the view that the slick production, writing and vocal dexterity is of greater importance to her than over-hyped marketing of her work.
While this adds a certain cache of quality to her music it does mariginalise her appeal, which is the shame because she does what she does so incredibly well. This album is a great testament to her talent, beautifully and skillfuly written tracks which are indeed about affirmation at many levels. But it is always her voice which is the unique selling point, clear, crisp, with amazing range and dexterity and the ability to crystalise an emotion in a moment of pure auditory pleasure.
She can truely send you and both ensnare and clearly communicate a feeling in her art form, the sign of a truely accomplished artist. I will not give you a account of each track as that has been done well enough here, suffice to say the album is beautiful and sublime and a worthy addition to any collection.

British R&B is on the rise, what with Jamelia conquering the charts and many other bands that have given life to union jack soul. One of those bottom-dwellers that are sung heroes is Beverly Knight. Entering a market that is not very friendly to soul and excelling throughout time. One might remember Knight from her past victories, such as her debut album Prodigal Sista, which made the MOBOs happy but failed to cross borders, stating this is not to undermine the quality of this soultress's efforts.

Who I Am, her second album, managed to establish profound ground and further launch her name. Garnering hits such as the loud perseverance anthem 'Get Up' and the ballad `Gold.' She also notched up another hit with 'Shoulda Coulda Woulda,' empowering many and building a number of admirers. Who I Am was a sophomore effect that did not suffer from the infamous downfall.

Knight revisits the charts with the new hit song 'Come as You Are,' which surprises everyone as it is a tribute to rock music and is a strikingly defined tune.

This third album, Affirmation, is both a departure from older albums and an enhancement of previous styles. As 'Not Too Late for Love' portrays an escalation from latter singles in the way of soul balladry.

There are some stand-out tracks on Affirmation. The breath-taking 'Tea & Sympathy' takes center stage along with the melancholy bliss of 'Salvador,' which displays a lot of pain for a long lost special person from disease.

Other triumphs include 'Straight Jacket' and 'Fatal Factor.' Otherwise the album settles with mediocre ditties like 'First Time' and 'No One Ever Loves In Vain.'

Knight has released her best album yet, however is will be hard to determine whether she will marvel in the world of Javines and Jamelia's. 'Keep This Fire Burning' is a treat that describes Beverly. It is a track strong on melody and lyrics, but doesn't concentrate on the general mass's yearning for something glitzy and hip. Knight is not afraid to play with beats and genres to carve out beats that are consistent and delicious. Sometimes knight's balladry turns out to be flavorless and MOR. However, the other tracks make up for it.

Affirmation is an evolution to the better.

Beverley Knight has been pretty popular in the UK, but here in the US she's relatively an unknown...That's too bad because a lotta people have been missing out on this amazing R&B/hip-hop/soul talent. "Affirmation," her latest album, is arguably her best album, even though she distances herself from the realm of R&B/hip-hop. The production on the songs here state that she's more interested in just being free with whatever her music sounds like, which the alternative/acoustic-driven soul numbers do indicate poignantly. Not only that, but the radio friendly sheen and her amazing voice make this an incredible package of great tracks. Here's a track-by-track review of the album:

1. "Come As You Are" - The first single and a stunning on in fact. It builds up during the end. It sounds rockish at first, but it's got a very Motown reference to it, especially the explosive gospel-like ending. Great track!

2. "Not Too Late For Love" - The second single and it's lush. Very mature and very nostalgic at the same time. It's got great potential to be played live because of its production (which basically reflects most of the mood of the album). A subtle classic.

3. "First Time" - One of the most emotional tracks on the album, this slow number was cowritten by Coldplay's Christ Martin. That explains the graceful piano. It's really an amazing track.

4. "Straight Jacket" - Definitely one of the standout tracks on the album. It's full of drama and melancholy. It's one of the moodiest tracks on the album. The alternative sound of the guitar mixed with soulful vocal histrionics makes this an epic of a track. Beverley Knight sings with such conviction.

5. "Keep This Fire Burning" - One of the lighter tracks on the album, yet still heavy on production. It's midtempo mixed with a cut-up strings in order to make it sound more hip. It's a sophisticated almost club track.

6. "No One Ever Loves In Vain" - Another slow piano-laden track. Beverley Knight belts out with this song and it's a very good track (full of emotion).

7. "Affirmation" - Another moody track. It's not as directly poweful as "Straight Jacket," yet it's atmospheric subtleties make it an endearing track. Slowly builds, but still empowering.

8. "Supasonic" - Another lite track. It's a very chill, yet pretty midtempo track. Many people think it's Beverley's Take On Prince. Pretty damn good chanelling attempt there. It's funky.

9. "Tea And Sympathy" - Has an almost classical feel to it because of the orchestration. Brings a scene of tea time in a Victorian garden mixed with hip-hop beats. It's very adult contemporary, but very sweet and sentimental too.

10. "Below My Radar" - One of, if not, the dreamiest track in the album. It brings an image of looking out the window while riding a car in a long road with the cool wind blowing against your face and blue sky. Very slow and chilled out, yet nice.

11. "Under The Same Sun" - Not quit a super slow track, but less than midtempo, it's almost playful. It's a subtle track where Beverley doesn't sing too hard.

12. "Till I See Ya" - Sounds exactly like Black-Eyed Peas' "Where Is The Love?" with the orchestration and production, but Beverley Knight carries on with grace and finesse in this track. Love the guitar parts to it too.

13. "Salvador" - Another moody, yet subtle track. It's production is eerie, plus there's some Latin elements to it. It's a poignant, emotional track about AIDS, but Beverley didn't need to oversing to make this track bounce out. It's subtle, yet potent.

14. "Remember Me" - The most bare moment in the album: it's just Bev and the piano (not much in production). Amazing vocals on this track. Great way to end an emotional roller coaster of an album...Or is it?...

15. "Fatal Factor" (UK bonus track) - Just as "Remember Me" ends the album in a slow pace, this explosive track comes along much like "Come As You Are" busted into the opening. It's very groove-like and almost a club track, but it's almost got some gospel in it. A nice contemporary R&B/hip-hop track and a truly great way to finish such an amazing album.

Over all, Bev's topped the promises she's made on her last 3 albums. This fourth one is no exception and her current moment to shine. It's amazing and should be highly regarded! Good luck to her in the future!

Soul is a term used loosely these days. Few singers, and artists at that, actually possess it. But Beverley...Beverley Knight is the epitome of soul. On this, her fourth and likely best album, is a blend of rock, soul, funk, and blues. Miss Knight has continuously broken down barriers created to limit urban artists to a certain 'sound.' Knight has continuously said that she tires of being put into a certain african american female vocalist category meant to "Ghettoise" her image. She accomplishes that and much more on Affirmation. There is a certain melancholy feel to this album. With the exception of the uplifting and funky 'Keep This Fire Burning', the Tina Turner esque 'Come as You Are' complete with Knight's Mick Jagger/Pat Benatar swagger, and the sexual Prince-like romp of 'Supasonic', much of the album is steeped in personal reflection. According to several message boards, the album was inspired by one of Bev's dear friends who died of AIDS. Beverley confronts death several times on her newest outing. On the soul wrenching 'Remeber Me', it is Beverley and her piano. Her raw vocal passion emits a pain that only she has felt.

On the strings laden 'Tea and Sympathy', Knight's classy vocals and positive lyrics radiate a sensual and warm feeling. 'Below my Radar', with its acoustic guitar and Knight's confessional lyrics is an honest and refreshing, folk/blues song.

Affirmation is an album where every song is excellent. Beverley Knight has grown into a full fledged songwriter, and her vocals...simply amazing. The album is a collective remembrance of life, love, sex, and human nature. Beverley Knight is a true soul singer who has the ability to affect anyone and everyone with her passion and that incredible soul voice. This is a definite must have for any music lover. Beverley is truly a force of nature and is not be slept on. American music buyers will be missing out if they do not experience the prodigy that is Beverley Knight.

Best Tracks:
'Remember Me': Heart-breaking, soulful. A soul gem. Beverley and her piano make a winning combination. The best song on the album...

'Come As You Are': Beverley's voice is so powerful on this track. Any other singer might have been overpowered by it's rock edge, but Beverley's lush and proud vocals sweep over this great dance tune.

'Keep This Fire Burning': Robyn originally recorded this up-beat dance tune. The up-lifting 'i'll be there for you' message plus the lush beats and Bev's confident vocals will keep you dancing for hours.

'Till I See Ya': This semi-angry/semi-confessional song is sung passionately by Miss Knight. The strings laden melody make it another standout.

'Tea and Sympathy': This song is sensual and beautiful. It is an excellent slow jam. Lyrically superb.

'First Time': A heartbreaking track fueled by Knight's blazing vocals and poetic lyrics. Another soul gem.

Still not got it? If your CD collection deserves one R & B offering this is it. Brilliant vocals, harmonies and lyrics. Let "Made it Back" lift you and "The Need of You" make you think. Go on, go and get it!

Good to see such talent from a British artist. The CD was ten times better that I thought it would be - having only heard a few tracks from Beverley Knight (Old Skool, Made It Back) . She isn't just a pretty voice, she's a talented songwriter as well, with meaningful lyrics that will get you hooked . Enough reading - now get the CD and listen up !

This album really makes me want to stand up and dance! She is unique and so is her voice. I LOVE Beverly- she is fantastic!!

Her parents are Jamaican. She was born in England, and grew up listening to Rock, pop, Punk, and, of course, soul "made in the U.S." She loves Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye, Prince, but has her own personality, and a great second album, largerly promoted than her first one.

If you like good pop soul, you MUST have this album. It has all that you can expect from an album of these characterisitcs. Made it back reminds a little "Good times" (Chic), "Rewind" has a good beat, "sista sista", especially when performed live, touches the deepest of your soul, and "Good morning world" is an extraordinary closing track. Also the vocals are extraordinary, with one of the singers formerly from the band D-Influence (one of my favourite British bands, with Incognito and the Brand New Heavies).

And, last but not least, Beverley is so down to earth, lively and friendly...

I shall definetely be keeping an eye on the career of this attractive 26 year old singer.