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Rise [Gabrielle]

Gabrielle
1 disc

1. Sunshine
2. Rise
3. When a Woman
4. Tell Me What You Dream
5. 5 O'Clock
6. Should I Stay
7. Over You
8. Falling
9. If You Love Me
10. Independence Day
11. Gonna Get Better
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Additional Info

Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 547768
Credits

Producer
Engineer
Personnel includes: Gabrielle (vocals); Johnny Dollar, Simon Richmond (various instruments); Paul Noble (guitar, bass); John Themis, Chester Kamen (guitar); Valerie Saint Martin (harp); Eamonn Nolan (flugelhorn); Mike Smith, Winston Rollins, Gerard Presencer (brass); Jonathan Shorten (keyboards, programming); Derrick Taylor, Neville Malcolm (bass); Andy Gangdeen (drums); Richie Fermie (programming); Mary Pierce, Linda Muriel, Chris Newton, Chris Ballin, Sarah Brown, Faye Simpson, Lurine Cato, Michelle John Douglas, (background vocals); London Session Orchestra, The Wrecking Crew.
Producers include: Jonathan Shorten, Richie Fermie, Johnny Dollar, Richard Stannard, Julien Gallagher.
Engineers include: John Brough, Conal Markey, Jonathan Shorten.
British singer Gabrielle's third album was a monster hit in Europe but caused barely a ripple in the United States. It is unfortunate because the album is quite engaging, and had it received the proper promotion, it may have even registered a hit single or two in America. This is sophisticated, mellow British soul-pop, somewhat akin to Simply Red. The songs are pleasant, but none really stand out as instant hits, although her Bob Dylan-inspired "Rise" became a huge European smash. The album has a subtle 1960s feel to it, especially on "When a Woman" and "Falling," which recalls Supremes-era soul-pop. For the most part, though, the songs register between slow to mid-tempo, save for a brief moment of funk on the tune "5 O'Clock." Standout cuts include the ballad "Should I Stay," which, of all the gems on this set, seems the most hitworthy. "Only You" has a lush, beautiful string section, and the album's opener, "Sunshine," flows with an interesting groove. A good album, and surely deserving of more attention than what it received in the United States, especially considering the following she garnered with her first (and only) stateside hit, "Dreams." ~ Jose F. Promis
Critic Reviews

Muzik (12/00, p.96) - 3 out of 5 - "...Smooth basslines and cute drums....the best tracks thrive on the tension between soulful voice and slick backing..."