The seventh season of the famous British talent show The X Factor generated lots of buzz among the audience of viewers. Actually, the show’s previous seasons’ rating was quite high too, and that is why such kind of interest turned this project into some sort of a forge of new stars. Rebecca Ferguson, who is definitely one of the brightest participants of The X Factor in 2010, did not manage to win the entire show, however that fact did not prevent her from making herself a good name and demonstrating her outstanding performing skills to the great audience. Rebecca has a legal education, but the girl obviously decided to try her luck and strength on this project at all accounts. And it turns out that her decision was absolutely correct one – it seems that Ferguson feels up her alley on the stage. Rebecca did not even think about giving up because of the failure in 2009, when the young artist could not pass the auditions on the similar talent show called P. Diddy's Starmaker. So, Ferguson’s singleness of purpose can be an excellent example for many musical newcomers. Thereby, Rebecca established an amazing reputation in quite a short period of time, and in 2011 she started to work in the studio. The singer took a direct part in the process of songwriting, instead of letting the composers do the entire job. This way, compositions, presented on the album Heaven, became a kind of reflection of Rebecca’s inner world, which means that they will help listeners to know that distinctive and promising performer better.
Rebecca Ferguson finally presented her debut studio attempt, which included ten compositions to the mainstream audience. Sure, the number is not too big; however the singer chose to focus on quality, not the quantity. This is a tactics of no loss, no matter which way you look at it. The album’s first song entitled Nothing's Real But Love creates a romantic mood, as soon as Rebecca sings about love, and not about something abstract. The artist’s voice do sound strong and powerful, and moreover, Ferguson professionally adds some fancy traits to her vocal parts. The mid tempo track Glitter & Gold will please music lovers with its melodiousness and rememberable beat. This act is followed by a very sensual composition ShoulderTo Shoulder that gives a vast for Rebecca’s voice. During the whole long play it feels that the voice and melody exist in a full harmony. Well, is it such a surprise, after all? Ferguson participated in a creative process of every single composition on the album for a good reason. Just like this, working together with experienced composers, she managed to achieve what she needed – excellent sound and bright, distinctive songs, which can reflect the performer’s inner world. Well-known to listeners Fairytale is a fine addition to the general optimistic atmosphere. Rebecca’s cheerful studio work turned out to be really successful beginning of a career.
In spite of the fact that Rebecca did not win The X Factor, she definitely became one of the brightest revelations of that show. Her debut album Heaven did not become a breakthrough in the aspect of some innovations or concept in general. But it surely became quite a message for Rebecca herself, and that is extremely important. Interesting texts, melodies to remember and excellent arrangements – there is simply no doubt that this talented young English performer’s first studio attempt will get its notable place in the collections of numerous music lovers. Judge by yourself: that long play has got all the elements that can make a truly good album, while Rebecca’s charisma and talent double these strong sides. Ferguson proved to everyone that she is talented, hardworking and that she is capable of much. The album Heaven, no matter how strong it is, is far away from the artist’s limit. We will be looking forward to its continuation, and that waiting will be solaced by ten fabulous compositions of Heaven.
New Amsterdam: Live at Heineken Music Hall February 6, 2003 2006
This summer Counting Crows present us with a new concert recorded – New Amsterdam: Live at Heineken Music Hall, February 6, 2003. It is a unique chance if not to see then to hear the real Counting Crows, so don't miss it
