Amazon.co.uk Review: Although voted best newcomer at the 2004 MOBO awards, for some, Estelle's debut, The 18th Day, has been a long time coming. One of the most respected female rappers in the UK, Estelle's style effortlessly eschews the trappings of sounding like her US counterparts and gives her a really natural, British, flow.
The album is almost split into two distinct styles: one half funky, UK R&B hip-hop whereas the other more downbeat and soulful. Opening track "1980" sums up the early part--the backing a wall of sound and the catchy vocals reminiscing about growing up. "Dance Bitch" is slightly more US sounding where one can hear echoes of Missy Elliott; "Go Gone" is fun and poppy, sounding like an update on the classic Northern Soul sound; and "Free" is a bouncy funk number and also second single.
For the ballad "I Wanna Love You", Estelle slips more into singing mode and her confidence grows with each subsequent song. "Crazy" shows off the range and dexterity of her voice, it may not be that of a world-class soul diva but it's strong and the phrasing is fantastic.
One big highlight is, "I'm Gonna Win"--dramatic, rousing and an uplifting moment on a really enjoyable album. On The 18th Day there is very little filler and whilst the heavy ballad section can be a little bit too much, it never falls into bland mediocrity.--David Trueman
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - One of the Best Debut Albums I've Ever Heard
All the songs make you feel good. "Go Gone" is a particular favourite aswell as "1980" which tells the story of her life in a creative way. Im beginning to think that her first album is better than her second but since i've played it more times maybe it is not a fair comparison. Needless to say both are amazing, it's great to see a successful british R&b/rap artist which is actually talented.
Rating: - Brilliant first album
I love this CD, each song is different with a mix of both rap and singing, its a very good CD and should have done better sales wise.
Rating: - Solid debut!
This debut album by Estelle is a real grower. Reflective and sometimes amusing lyrics combined with a sparkling production make for a very enjoyable listen. This is a quality R&B/Rap album and Estelle is not afraid to venture into new territory with tracks such as Change is Coming and Go Gone. There is some nice acoustic instrumentation which contrasts well to the more programmed synth backing.
Big up the UK R&B, Rap and Hip-Hop artists!
Rating: - Solid debut by UK R&B/Rap artist.
This debut album by Estelle is a real grower. Reflective and sometimes amusing lyrics combined with a sparkling production make for a very enjoyable listen. This is a quality R&B/Rap album and Estelle is not afraid to venture into new territory with tracks such as Change is Coming and Go Gone. There is some nice acoustic instrumentation which contrasts well to the more programmed synth backing.
Big up the UK R&B, Rap and Hip-Hop artists!
Rating: - Better than I expected!!
Bought this album because of 'Free' and initially listened to tracks 1, 5 & 6. However, gave it a chance and it's actually very good throughout give or take a couple of songs. Estelle even sounds like Mary J. on a couple of tracks and that's no bad thing! Favourite is still Free but All Over Again, Dance with Me, 1980 & Go Gone are all excellent. No album is ever superb throughout these days but this is one of the better ones!
- 
-