Emeli Sand
If you're wondering which album will be the sound of 2012, look no further, Emeli Sandé's 'Our Version Of Events' will be the album to own in 2012.
Like the deferred medical student from Alford, Aberdeen, 'Our Version Of Events' is warm, wise, frank, funny, thoughtful and as inimitable as her vertical shock of blond hair and the Frida Kahlo tattoo that takes up most of her right arm.
Reflecting the fears, thoughts, heartbreak and hopes of a young women, the record effortlessly appeals to anyone with a love of imagery, imagination and, ultimately, bloody great songs.
Stuffed full of stirring strings, epic choruses and heart-stopping vocals; there are songs to sing in the shower, tracks to fall in love to and compositions to accompany you when heartbroken and drowning yourself in Chardonnay.
The album is written entirely by Emeli and produced by her creative partner Shahid ‘Naughty Boy’ Khan.
It’s hard to pick highlights on an album that contains so many incredible moments; the gorgeous 'Heaven' was the single that put Sandé on the map, hitting the charts at No.2, the expansive bass underscored and served as the perfect introduction to her incredible voice.
"It’s about growing up and realising you can’t always be perfect; but what counts is knowing you could have done better, your intention to improve is what counts," says Sandé.
The track won her legions of fans, including Jools Holland and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Emeli’s 3rd single, 'Next To Me', could, at first glance, be about a boy, or even be perhaps spiritual in its sentiment. In fact, says Emeli, it was written about her No.1 love; music.
"You won’t find him drinking under tables/ Rolling dice and staying out till 3/ You won’t ever find him being unfaithful/ You will find him next to me". 'Next to Me' is also released on 13th February 2012.
Like many classic debut albums before it, Sandé's debut is a moment in musical time. Credible without attempting to be too ‘cool’, heartbroken yet crazy in love, it is considered without trying to be too clever.
This is a distinctly British record with undeniable global appeal, created by one of the most exciting debut artists we have seen in recent years.
To support the release, Emeli follows her recent sold out tour with a headline tour in April 2012. Dates are as follows:
April
Wed 4th Norwich UEA
Thu 5th Leeds O2 Academy
Fri 6th Aberdeen Music Hall
Mon 9th Liverpool Academy
Tue 10th Glasgow Old Fruitmarket
Thu 12th HMV Manchester Ritz
Fri 13th Cardiff Solus
Sat 14th Birmingham HMV Institute
Mon 16th London Shepherds Bush Empire
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