CD Review
Artist: Estelle
Album: Shine
Label: Homeschool & Atlantic Records, Warner Music
Release Date: March 31^st 2008

5 Stars 

Reviewed By: Isabel Lau (Vancouver Correspondent - Canada) 

Not since Lauryn Hill has there been a female in the hip hop scene that could find a perfect balance between sultry vocals and strong lyrical rap talent. That is until a Senegalese queen from the UK named Estelle Swarray set her foot down into the spotlight. And could there really be a more stylishly authoritative entrance than being paired up with none other than Kanye West for her breakthrough hit, "American Boy"? Those that enjoyed her sweet and sexy crooning in this song will be pleasantly surprised when they listen to her album, Shine. Not only is every number a fabulous demonstration of her R&B/ Gospel influenced singing abilities, but Estelle also reinforces her raw panache as a rap artist in various tracks that include "So Much out the Way" and "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)".  

However, instead of featuring mostly rap like her 2004 album titled The 18^th Day, Shine showcases more of Estelle's soulful singing. This was due in part to producer John Legend's suggestion. His calculated direction, in the sense of letting the artist's inner voice come through, made Shine a great first success for his Homeschool label under Atlantic Records. Estelle perfectly sums up her growth as an artist when she says "Let me be different. Let me be that person that you're not used to hearing...I got to the point, between the last album and this album, where I stopped apologizing for being the person I am."

From the get-go Estelle shows that she is much more than a placid pretty voice; her lyrics and up-tempo beat in songs like "No Substitute" and "More Than Friends" emphasize a strong female's perspective on handling two-timing tricksters. This is balanced by brilliantly romantic tracks like "Come Over" and "In the Rain", which make one look forward to those summertime butterflies. Definitely an empowering musical delight for the modern woman.  

Estelle also holds her own in her duets with Will.I.Am, Kardinal Offishal and John Legend. Unlike other artists who feature big names on their albums, Estelle is one of the few that has the listener wanting to hear just as much, if not more from her than her guests. Her talent also caught the eye of Mark Ronson who produced the track "Magnificent" and who proclaims that, "Estelle is such a talented singer, rapper, vocal arranger, and song writer. I can't think of anyone else who can do all those things as well as she can." Featuring laid-back bohemian infused melodies and of course the most refreshing voice in hiphop/ soul in years, Shine is to become the soundtrack for summer 2008 and will certainly boast its longevity past that.

1. "Wait A Minute (Just A Touch)" (featuring will.i.am) - 3:40
2. "No Substitute Love" - 3:33
3. "American Boy" (featuring Kanye West) - 4:45
4. "More Than Friends" - 4:25
5. "Magnificent" (featuring Kardinal Offishall) - 3:57
6. "Come Over" - 3:41
7. "So Much Out the Way" - 4:05
8. "In the Rain" - 4:08
9. "Back in Love" - 4:01
10. "You Are" (featuring John Legend) - 3:29
11. "Pretty Please (Love Me)" (featuring Cee-Lo) - 3:58
12. "Shine" - 3:49
13. "I Wanna Live" - 4:03 (iTunes bonus track)
14. "Life to Me" (Hi-Tek featuring Estelle) - 4:59 (iTunes bonus track)