“Shine” is the sophomore effort by London-based hip hop songstress Estelle. The album was released in March 2008 and its’ second single, “American Boy”, featuring rapper Kanye West, became a smash hit earlier in the year and represents Estelle’s first major splash on the US music scene. Featuring collaborations with such notable artists as West, Black Eyed Peas’ Will.I.Am, John Legend, Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo, and many others, Shine is an album worthy of inclusion on many a music lover’s collection.
“Shine” is a mix of pop-friendly tunes that are sure to make their mark on the music scene. The CD opens with the dance-friendly “Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)”, produced by Will.I.Am, and embarks the listener on a journey of pure musical joy with a little bit of funk, a little bit of hip hop, some sixties-style dance hall fun, a flavoring of reggae and smooth, soothing R&B; grooves.
Up tempo gems on the album include the exceptional “Substitute for Love” and the reggae-infused “Magnificent”, featuring Canadian dancehall-hip hop artist Kardinal Offishall. The irresistible “Pretty Please (Love Me)” with Cee-Lo of Gnarls Barkley fame is a terrific throwback to classic dance hall tracks of the sixties. The gem was featured in the movie version of the hit HBO series “Sex and the City” and is sure to have listeners singing along with its’ appealing chorus. So Much Out the Way” is a funky hip hop featuring classic Wyclef Jean (who both produced and contributed vocals to the track) sounds.
The ballads featured on the CD are no less stellar than the faster paced tunes. Notable tracks in this genre include a collaboration with R&B; master vocalist John Legend entitled “You Are” and a soon to be classic “Come Over”, recently released as a single and reworked into a more up-tempo groove with remixes featuring reggae star Sean Paul.
“Shine” reached #6 on Billboard’s Top R&B; Hip Hop Album charts and the single “American Boy” has received noteworthy attention, peaking at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Singles chart. Estelle’s been nominated for Newcomer of the Year Award by BET and received two Grammy nods for “American Boy” (Song of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration). Based on this stellar effort, Estelle is a new artist sure to have staying power.
