A FOOL IN LOVE is released on the 7 September 2009.

When I found out that this lady is from the Mike Batt stables, I thought, ‘not another aging or very young pop princess, armed to the hilt with Batt pop compositions, and ripe for Wogan on R2.’ Okay, I’m being unkind but to find someone as good as Miss Rawlings on his label does come as something of a surprise.

According to the PR blurb, Rawlings has been singing since she left the womb, in other words, she’s a natural. And this album is up to the task of revealing that latent talent.

First track ‘Wouldn’t Treat A Dog’ opens boldly with drums and brass before Rawlings lets forth. It’s a distinctive, genuine, gritty soulful voice which is mature beyond this lady’s young years. In fact it’s something of a revelation, and a voice one would expect to hear belting out from across the pond… The song is a beauty, and the gospel style vocals and instrumentation are perfection. ‘The Only Woman In The World’ is the first of several Batt compositions and the kind of song that you’d expect label-mate Melua to sing. It has a strong pop vibe, characteristically huge melody, catchy choruses - just the sort of song this singer should not be singing but Wogan and radio will love it. Next up is a well-arranged cover of ‘Riverboat’ but a feeling that the song is a miss-match for this lady’s vocal style. ‘Jump On The Wagon’ is another Batt composition and a little more interesting than the first. The instrumental arrangement is good and the backing vocals beautifully judged. ‘Wolf Man’ is another Batt composition, and this time there’s a strong rhythm and blues ambience that suits Rawlings’ vocal style.

Ike Turner’s ‘A Fool In Love’ is next and provides Rawlings with the opportunity to exhibit the full extent of her vocal style and talent. ‘Hard To Get’ is the first single off the album, is of course is a Batt song and is natural for Radio 2, and that’s about it… It’s followed by another Batt tune which is far, far better. ’Can’t Hold Your Hand’ is a  slow, soulful, melodic with a decent set of lyrics. Rawlings is able to lift the tune with a gorgeously contemplative and exressive vocal. The Gladys Knight classic ‘Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me’ is beautifully performed although it sounds very close to the original which is no bad thing. Does she make it her own? No, nobody could. Chuck Berry’s ‘Can’t catch Me’ is a great, exuberent cover which Rawlings conquers with ease.

‘A Dollar Of My Pain’ is another excellent, moody cover while final song ‘Love Can Be A Battlefield’ is another Batt pop ballad that I can imagine as the next single. I also think  it’s one of the best Batt songs I’ve heard with its understated arrangement and a thoughtful, expressive vocal performance.

This is Florence Rawlings’ debut album and one that showcases her talents enough to know that she is rather special. My hope is that she becomes more involved in the song writing process rather than major on the songs of others. She has to reveal more of herself… Recommended.

3.8/5