Jamie Woon - Mirrorwriting
- Apr 14, 2011
A three year wait is nearly over for the eager fans of Jamie Woon who has finally released his debut album 'Mirrorwriting'.
Music was in Jamie's blood from day one, his mother was a Celtic folk singer and backing artist and it seems only natural that he is steadily making a name for himself in the music industry. His influences include Michael Jackson and this is very apparent throughout the album.
Jamie had a rather large helping hand attending the famous BRIT school with Amy Winehouse and the Red Bull Music Academy in 2008; where he got tips from the likes of Public Enemy rapper Chuck D. Recently ranked fourth in The BBC Sound of 2011, it looks like those tips are already paying off.
A tribal beat starts off the funky single 'Night Air' and your foot starts tapping automatically. It’s one of those tracks that flow perfectly and the music compliments Jamie’s soft voice which is full of soul. However, the song does drag on a touch and after you’ve heard the line "In the night air" a few times you start to wonder if it will ever end.
'Street' follows 'Night Air', continuing with the same theme. It's short sharp and to the point, probably a song that quite a few people can relate to with the line: "I'm wishing you were here with me walking on a city street." You can almost picture Woon glancing into a shop window "catching my reflection in a place I’ve never been before".
The stand out track on the album is 'Lady Luck' - you'll find yourself humming this catchy song later on in the day. Jamie's voice has a distinctive tone that is easily recognisable, it's sure to get a lot of radio air time.
As the album goes on the continued use of backing singers begins to get annoying, almost getting in the way of Jamie’s intoxicating voice. Throughout the song 'Spirits' you're screaming out for more Woon and less noise from them. Although the song is another solid effort it could have been better; he would make a brilliant acoustic artist.
The quality of the album definitely spirals out of control from track eight, 'Spiral', onwards. The theme of walking pops up far too often. Let's hope Woon hasn’t run out of ideas already as the energy that comes from the new R&B star at the start of the album is exhilarating.
Jamie can safely say that he brings a lot to the table and shows the recent praise is not overhyped. The trendy artist is definitely unique in providing the variety of genres on the album and his versatility is sure to stand him in good stead.
7/10
Rob Fallows
