Gabrielle, the queen of 90s pop, is back with the release of her seventh album ‘Do It Again.’ She is fresh off of The Masked Singer stage, where her impressive vocal range deservedly earned her a spot in the semi-finals. The singer-songwriter from Hackney announced that her album would cover some of her favourite hits, alongside two new original tracks.
Citing “classic soul connotations” and 80s British pop as her key influences, the hitmaker is known for writing, perfecting and singing infectious, catchy songs, most famously her 1993 debut single ‘Dreams.’ Storming to the top of the charts and staying there for three weeks, it quickly became an anthem of the 90s with its acoustic strumming and hip hop beat. But Gabrielle’s success didn’t stop there, having numerous accolades under her belt. They include four Platinum-certified albums, two BRITs, a MOBO and an Ivor Novello, so it’s to be expected that her latest album is drumming up a similar level of popularity.
Nearly 30 years later, and the British pop legend is having a full-circle moment all the way back to where it began. The album closes with Tracy Chapman’s ‘Fast Car.’ This is the very song she trialled and played around with on her breakout single. Found alongside her two new tracks titled ‘Stop Right Now‘ and ‘Can’t Hurry Love,‘ a host of covers make up the majority of the album. Five of these tracks were performed on The Masked Singer, all with her signature sound, of course. ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song‘ and ‘Proud Mary‘ are kept in good company with more modern tracks, like ‘Diamonds‘ by Rihanna, ‘Falling‘ by Harry Styles, and ‘Everything I Wanted‘ by Billie Eilish. Gabrielle commented:
“I have loved putting my own stamp on the songs I sang on The Masked Singer along with some of my favourite covers and two new songs I wrote. The new single ‘Stop Right Now’ was written with Ben Cullum. It’s a song I’ve wanted to release for a while and I would dance to it in my kitchen. I always felt it needed to see the light of day! I am so happy that the day has come. I’m really excited for people to hear this album and I hope they enjoy my take on the covers and the new songs too.”
Released ahead of the rest of the album, ‘Stop Right Now,’ co-penned by Gabrielle and acclaimed songwriter and producer Ben Cullum, is a piano-led pop song that explores the temporary sadness felt by two people when they have to have a break, to save their relationship. Refreshingly authentic of real-life relationships and break-ups, it’s an optimistic and feel-good, singalong song – much of this owing to her warm and soothing vocal style and catchy lyrics. Admitting that all her songs come from an inner feeling, it’s unsurprising that her lyrics often feel so relatable and real. ‘Can’t Hurry Love‘ slows down the pace with a piano and drum backing track, exploring the feelings and worries of falling in love, particularly when things feel as though they’re progressing too slowly. It’s a nod to her skilful songwriting abilities that her original tracks don’t get lost when surrounded by some of the most iconic songs in music history. She’s certainly in her element on this record.
Her track record has already proven her to be a talented songwriter, and she can tackle pretty much any album. Covering such well-known and well-loved songs is a risky move, but it’s certainly paid off. The whole album is like the warm, comforting hug we have needed after the stresses and anxieties of this past year. It’s one that you don’t need to think about too much: just click play and you’ll soon find yourself dancing around your kitchen in no time. For us, her masterful control and soulful, identifiable voice has us sold after the first three seconds of the first track. It’s for that very reason why Gabrielle has justifiably secured her place as one of pop’s greats.
I think it’s safe to say she’s back and better than ever. There’s more to come apparently, as she’s let slip that’s she’s written more original songs during lockdown that we can expect to be released later this year. Hopefully, the releases will coincide with her Rise Again Tour, scheduled for November 2021.
