Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Beverley Knight's survey of British soul highlights from the 1980s reminds one of what an underrated era that was, too easily overlooked in deference to the genre's US roots. Comparisons are inevitable – and if "Southern Freeez" here sounds like Britain's own "Funky Nassau", there's no shame in that, nor in Knight's version of Junior Giscombe's "Mama Used to Say" coming across like the UK equivalent of a Jam & Lewis casual funk strut.
She's on fine, sleek form on Omar's "There's Nothing Like This" and George Michael's "One More Try", and inhabiting the Young Disciples' "Apparently Nothin'" with the warmth and assertive charm of a long-time fan: the latter, with Roots Manuva adding a rap about the corrosive effect of "the vanity glamour of the most influential", is the album's standout cut.
DOWNLOAD THIS Apparently Nothin'; One More Try; Cuddly Toy
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments