Amazon.co.uk Review
Few could have predicted just how successful the transformation of TV soap-character Tiffany into Martine would be. Turning her back on the cosy safety of
Eastenders and Albert Square,
You, Me And Us is Martine's first outing as a solo songstress; and with four songs co-penned by McCutcheon herself, it's almost good enough to dispel the usual soapstar-turned-popstar clichés. Produced by Tony Moran--the svengali behind McCutcheon's favourite singer
Luther Vandross--from the opening "Perfect Moment", this is a record that pulls few punches musically: but then, Martine's unique, breathy voice was always her principle selling-point. There's a touch of
Sinatra-inspired theatricality here ("I've Got You"), a dash of
Streisand-style balladeering there (the maudlin "Rainy Days"), as well as the obligatory cover: a version of "Maybe This Time", Sally Bowle's signature tune from
Cabaret. The
Eastenders servitude has obviously paid off: in terms of pure, old-fashioned showmanship, Martine's delivery is faultless.
--Amber Cowan