Product Description

'Rockferry' is the debut album from Welsh singer Duffy. Written and produced in collaboration with Bernard Butler, the album is a stunning showcase for her voice, which brings to mind such great singers as Dusty Springfield, Lulu and Sandie Shaw. Includes the singles 'Rockferry' and 'Mercy'.

Track Listing

1. Rockferry
2. Warwick Avenue
3. Serious
4. Stepping Stone
5. Syrup & Honey
6. Hanging On Too Long
7. Mercy
8. Delayed Devotion
9. I'm Scared
10. Distant Dreamer

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9 in Music
• Released on: 2008-03-03
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 38 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Rockferry, the Welsh singer's lovingly constructed debut album, has already succeeded beyond expectations, and although Duffy may not quite be the ingénue portrayed by a clever press campaign (she nearly won a local television talent show a few years back while a single credited to Aimee Duffy is still available on iTunes) she is surely the most appealing of the current flood of young soul sirens. The astonishing title track, co-written by Bernard Butler, sounded like a lost transmission that had taken decades to get through as soon as it hit radio last year. But the gently rolling soul ballad "Stepping Stone", that strapping, inescapable monster hit "Mercy", the ice cool "Serious" (the one time she really does channel the spirit of Dusty Springfield) and the wistful, elegant "Warwick Avenue" are similarly effective. Suggestions by some that Rockferry is little more than sixties pastiche are churlish. Butler's previous work with David McAlmont (featured here as a backing singer) showed his skill at writing and arranging the dramatic, while her other collaborators such as Steve Booker and the team of Jimmy Hogarth and Eg White are hardly lightweights. But despite some wonderful orchestral settings, it's Duffy's terrific voice that makes this so satisfying, even overpowering Butler's exquisitely underplayed guitar work on "Rockferry" itself. Growling the blues on "Syrup & Honey" or belting it out over his lovingly arranged wall of sound on "Distant Dreamer", she sets the tone throughout, several of her songs dealing with escape, both physical and romantic. The sound of someone singing herself to stardom, Rockferry is at times genuinely amazing. Steve Jelbert

Customer Reviews

Beautiful, bittersweet songs
I first heard Duffy on a long car journey on a friend's mixtape, the track was Rockferry. My friend skipped the track in impatient disgust, which drove me mad! I'm usually into my alternative stuff but I like a bit of everything in my collection, so I have something to listen to for every mood. I love this album because it's feminine, heartfelt, sweet and singable. I'm not mad on the last three tracks but they're by no means awful, I just prefer the others. I feel I can relate to Duffy in all her strengths and weaknesses. Some have compared her unfavourably to Amy Winehouse, who I also like, but Duffy doesn't have the selfish, bitchy airs and is lovely to listen to when you have some alone-time.

Ab Fab
This is the best CD I've heard in about 30 years. Brings back all the old soul sounds of the sixties. Wilson Picket etc. I love it and so do my friends. Wish Duffy had another CD out and I would buy it immediately. Fab debut CD. She does sound like Dusty but far superior in my opinion. Buy this and you won't regret it! All the songs are haunting and you fall in love with them instantly. Excellent

`Brilliant'
I love this CD. It's very 60's, retro, classy and unique. Duffy has a wonderful voice. I would like her to sing some Dusty songs and `To sir with love'. My children listen to the CD aswell (12 & 9) and are equally taken with it. Here's to the next Album.