Anouk (aka Anouk Teeuwe) is a mind-blowingly good singer.
(A new artist to me - despite an extensive back catalogue - and I feel
very lucky to have stumbled across her new album 'For Bitter Or Worse').
There is fire in her belly.
Frankly she is one of the best R&B vocalists
I have heard in a month of Sundays.
This collection of 12 songs is saturated with
raw energy, passion and unbridled committment.
Start anywhere in the album and you have a treat in store.
'Woman' is a terrific composition sung with
burning conviction and peerless expressive skill.
It is alone worth the price of the album.
She demonstrates an innate understanding of the blues
on the beautiful 'Hold On'. Her rich, dark, velvety tone
and subtly intrusive Dutch accent is captivating.
The big gospel finish is really uplifting.
'Faith In My Moon' is laid-back, uber-cool and
deliciously funky. Another stunning vocal performance.
Title (and closing) track 'For Bitter Or Worse' leaves
no room for doubt that Ms Teeuwe is a world class
performer. It is a majestic ending to a truly great album.
I'm just about prepared to beg to get you to listen to it!
Essential.