In 2010, the London-based, blue-eyed soul artist Rumer released her debut album Seasons of My Soul. The lead single was the track “Slow,” an achingly beautiful ballad with a melody which, until I learned otherwise from the album credits, I had assumed had been written by the great Burt Bacharach. It debuted at #16 on the UK singles chart but surprisingly dropped off entirely after 3 weeks. The single also was released in Europe, where it failed to crack the Top 20, and appears not to have been sent to U.S. radio at all.
In 2010, the London-based, blue-eyed soul artist Rumer released her debut album Seasons of My Soul. The lead single was the track “Slow,” an achingly beautiful ballad with a melody which, until I learned otherwise from the album credits, I had assumed had been written by the great Burt Bacharach. It debuted at #16 on the UK singles chart but surprisingly dropped off entirely after 3 weeks. The single also was released in Europe, where it failed to crack the Top 20, and appears not to have been sent to U.S. radio at all.
I can imagine the label’s thinking: “She sounds like Karen Carpenter singing a Bacharach track, the kids in America won’t be interested!” And perhaps they were right, this isn’t music for the teen market. It’s sophisticated, adult fare by an engaging vocalist with a lovely tone and a delightful authenticity. And if I could write a melody as gorgeous as this one, SoulTrackers, I’d give up my day job. It’s that special. Enjoy.
By Robb Patryk