As sophomore albums go, Alexandra Burke‘s effort ‘Heartbreak On Hold’ was criminally underrated. Released last May, the Dance heavy set was hailed by fans, yet shunned by certain media sects for reasons as puzzling now as they were then.
Hoping to appease all on bases on her next outing, the X Factor graduate has revealed that she’s slowing down the tempo and channelling a more Soulful sound for LP number three (which also dubs as her US debut).
Details after the jump…
Burke’s comments feature in an interview with our friends over Digital Spy. Peep excerpts below…
You’ve also mentioned that you’re in the studio quite a lot.
“Literally, studio. It’s where you’ll find me round the clock at the moment! I’m actually going there after this interview. I’m recording in America next week and I’ve built a studio in my home as well. At the moment, I don’t think I’ve ever been so focused. I’m really focusing on this third album, but I’m looking at getting into acting as well and starting a fitness clothing line.”
How far along is the album?
“I can’t say when it’ll be finished because I honestly have no idea. I’ve always said I’m never going to rush into something – it’s about the quality that goes into it. I’m really happy that RCA have let me concentrate on it and spend time writing it rather than rushing another album six months after my last one. There’s a big focus on live instruments this time – I’m starting to learn to play the keys.”
Were you pleased with how Heartbreak on Hold played out?
“I loved that album. I loved the positivity behind it. This new album is very different – I’m listening to Aretha, Gladys Knight, Billie Holiday. I’m being inspired by the greats – particularly those who may have been forgotten by my generation. All I want to do is sing and have people hear my voice. If that means slowing things down then so be it… although I do love to dance!“
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Great news, with the last line in particular exciting us most.
For, while it’s super clear that Alex is as all-round a performer as an all-round performer can be (see: sing, dance, and entertain at exceptionally high level), the music mass have demanding to hear more Soulful material from her. And with her voice being Soul personified, it’s awesome that Alex is heeding such requests – even if that means leaving the dancing on the back-burner somewhat.
By no means should she morph into a boring ballad-er; yet as her own idol Whitney Houston showed the world, there is often ample entertainment value putting THE VOICE front stage center.
And while we excitedly await Ms. Burke’s new project, check out her performance of ‘Saving All My Love For You’ on The Splash: