Delilah: 'From The Roots Up' - Album review

Published Jul 26 2012, 09:28 BST  |  By Robert Copsey

Delilah's breakthrough came when she leant her soulful tones to the chorus on Chase & Status's single 'Time' last year. But the anticipated dubsteppy solo follow-up a la Katy B never happened; instead we were caught off-guard by a stunning reworking of Chaka Khan's 'Ain't Nobody', renamed 'Go'.

Fiddling with such a classic is a risky business, but one of the track's many successes is that she makes it look so easy. Its smoky and haunting backdrop continues by-and-large throughout, from the distorted beats on opener 'Never Be Another' to her latest single 'Inside My Love' - an even more sensuous take on Minnie Riperton's already highly suggestive soul classic.

The lineup of producers is diverse, ranging from the up 'n' coming Balistiq, Mary J Blige collaborator Syience, to Plan B, who offers a surprise uplifting moment on 'Only You'. Delilah soars over a shimmering string quartet as she sings smitten about blossoming love - a break from the intense trip-hop that is sorely needed but ultimately feels like it could have been put to better use elsewhere.

But while the thought of a collection of weighty, slow-mo soul will sound tiresome to some, Delilah's voice alone is enough to keep a listener interested. Her bluesy tone lightly bounces off 'Insecure', where she sings about her need for constant reassurance. For such a risky and impressive first showing she will no doubt get plenty, even if charts end up saying otherwise.

Tracks to download: 'Never Be Another', 'Inside My Love', 'Go', 'Insecure'
If you like this, you'll like: Jessie Ware, Maverick Sabre, Jess Mills

Watch Delilah's 'Inside My Love' video below: