Time for a new blog topic, a celebration of artists who bewilderingly aren't as successful as they should be. This idea came to me the other day when walking down the street, listening to my iPod and Rebecca Ferguson's "Shoulder to Shoulder" came on. I thought how amazing her voice was and that so many people would not have heard this truly beautiful song.
I've seemed a little obsessed with British X-Factor contestants of late, but they have discovered some amazing talent, more than most recent talent shows. Ferguson came second in 2010 and was signed to Simon Cowell's record label, Syco. Her career started well enough, first single "Nothing's Real But Love", hit number 10 in the UK and 14 here in Australia. The pop/soul song was a showcase of Ferguson's unique voice. Lyrically the song is a wonder as well, "No house, no job, no car can beat love." With such a promising start, it looked like she was going to be huge, but no. She hasn't hit top ten in the UK again, and hasn't had another song chart in Australia.
But are her other songs any good? Yes they bloody well are! Her mix of pop, soul and jazz is pretty incredible, and the highlight of all her songs is that powerhouse voice. "Glitter & Gold" is a little faster than her first hit, but again is lyrically spot on. A track about the power of friendship. It hit 116 in the UK, it's biggest charting position, 27 in Italy.
Her debut album, Heaven" was re-released with the awesome "Backtrack". This again was a faster tune, a soul pop number with a thumping beat and effortless vocals. It hit 15 in the UK, 13 in Scotland. Never heard it once in Australia, except for at my place, and a neighbour who seemed to have her album on repeat. I liked that neighbour.
Ferguson released her second album last year, it was largely ignored. First single, "I Hope" hit 15 in the UK and 8 in Scotland. It's a great song about not letting an ex get to you, wishing them the best even though they hurt you bad. It's a clever song, and again Ferguson's vocals are the best part of the song. Check it out below, it's a great song!
Now I love "Nothing's Real But Love" but my favourite Rebecca Ferguson song is the truly beautiful "Shoulder to Shoulder" I adore this wondrous ballad. Ferguson's vocals soar, the instrumentation is faultless and the lyrics are beautiful. When she repeatedly sings, "Don't be my downfall", my heart breaks. It's just so bloody beautiful. And this great song only charted in the Ukraine at 16. Not good. Listen to this song and please get in to her, she deserves it. She apparently has a new album she's working on. I'd love to see her actually get some more attention.
What's your favourite Rebecca Ferguson song? Tell me in the comments section below.
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