A quarter of the way into the 2005 and I’m hoping that the rest of the year will reveal a few more very special albums. So far it’s been disappointing, although it started with a couple of crackers from the Frames and Ani DiFranco. KT Tunstall’s debut album has wowed the music media but I have to admit to a degree of scepticism, especially in an age when the ‘quality’ broadsheets shout the praises of the most manufactured of acts and music. Rather late in the day, I received a copy of Tunstall’s album and I hoped what the media was saying was true…

The opening track Other Side Of The World is strong on melody, more pop than rock, and in sharp contrast to the Observer’s view, the singer’s voice was not the first thing to hit me. Lyrically, the lady seems to be in a world of her own and I am still trying to work out what she is trying to communicate. But, it’s a radio-friendly song and pleasant enough. With the next song, Another Place To Fall, my hopes are lifted with a strong voice coming to the fore (it sounds as if this song was recorded in a different place and time, and by another producer), and a song with much more distinction and comprehensible meaning. Quiet, contemplative crooning returns with Under The Weather. Again, it’s a better and more distinctive song that also illustrates Tunstall’s ability to adapt her voice to mood and pace. There’s also strong pop sensibility with a clear indication that the lady is sensitive to melody in her song writing. The next song ups the diversity stakes in one quantum leap with a song that straddles pop/country/rock with a degree of success rarely seen. Black Horse And The Cherry Tree bounces along with Tunstall letting go big-time, as if relishing the song and wallowing in its vibe.

There are moments in listening to this album that I’m reminded of the great Carina Round, and there’s a satisfying level of diversity to keep one interested. She also displays song writing skill and maturity, while her distinctive voice appears capable of tackling just about anything that’s thrown at it. As pop albums go, this is up there with the best of them. Tunstall is no Martha Wainwright but I’m left with the impression that she has much more in the armoury to give. The album is good enough for me to want to see her perform live, and that’s a solid achievement for any performer. Job done…

4/5