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:
Another uninspired cliche X factor contestant album.
Now I’m really amped.
The soulful side is what won her the xfactor.
Don’t mind her doing dance tracks at all but it seems to overtake her key skills as a strong soulful vocalist.
Looking 4ward to this project.
Her TGJ Splash sessions showed off what she needs to do.
I think Alex’s problem is that she entered the industry for the wrong reasons. I remember when she was talking about winning on X-Factor she mentioned working in a place where she sees many celebs and she wanted to be one. Well, she got that but unlike JLS, who lost, she didn’t have any credible music.
Alexandra Burke is a Black woman, she looks, sounds, talks and acts black. She has dark, cocoa skin and West African curves. In short, young white girls (who make up much of the X-Factor fanbase) are not going to relate to her the same way they do Leona. She also has alienated her Black fanbase by making White versions of Black music. How can a black artist come out with a cheesy, dripping mozzarella song like “Bad Boys” and not even provide any Urban remixes that clubs and DJs will play? From when I heard that music and saw her image I knew the writing was on the wall. Album #2 followed an even worse direction and despite it being OK Dance music it did nothing to rival Kelly Rowland’s efforts or give us a Donna Summer dance vibe.
Here’s to hoping she’ll be wise and listen to what others around her have got to say. There’s no point being famous if all you have is a name and no quality output. She needs to get with American producers and writers like Ne-Yo, Babyface, JD, Tim and get some good remixers on her tracks. Anyone who knows RnB knows remixes made up about 30% of the furore RnB/Black music created in the 90’s.
I’M READY AS HOH WAS FULL OF S***.
Her Overcome album is a masterpiece. If she really wants success, I would suggest Simon Cowell should be the executive producer on this album. She seems like she hasn’t got a direction at the moment. She doesn’t know what she wants.
Who is this FLOP?!
It’s exactly what i wanted her to do. Bring these soulful ballads Alex, you’re made fot that!