Search - Estelle, Kanye West :: American Boy

Irresistable

Olukayode Balogun | Leeds, England | 03/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've always had a soft spot for UK singer/rapper Estelle. Her song Go Gone from her 2004 debut album The 18th Day, is one of my favourite tunes ever. Her lead single Wait a Minute featuring will.i.am, from her upcoming new album Shine (scheduled for release here in the UK at the end of March and in the US at the end of April) was never going to get pulses racing and hardly anyone noticed it. I certainly didn't.



This follow-up however is in a different league altogether. It's such a happy, catchy tune it's little wonder it barged its way straight to the #1 spot on the UK Top 40 singles chart last weekend, knocking the seemingly untouchable Duffy down to #2. Singing about her love for her American boy (and her desire to be taken places by him) over a fizzy beat by producer will.i.am, with elements of pop, funk and hip-hop, infused with a techno/disco edge, and supported by Kanye West who spits a few bars with a UK twist on the intro and in the break, I personally find the song irresistible. I very rarely buy or review singles but I am more than happy to make an exception here. The video is awesome as well - and no, it's not just because Estelle parades a collection of incredibly good-looking American boys in front of the camera; the woman herself looks absolutely stunning in it too. She's always sexy but never sleazy.



She's now signed to John Legend's new label, Homeschool Records (they worked together on Estelle's debut, even before Legend himself was signed) and I saw her with Terrence and Rocsi on "106 & Park" the other day, so doors are definitely being opened for her all over the place. I sincerely hope this translates into success for her over the pond, as with this particular song, she so absolutely deserves it.



And by the way, despite the lyrics of the song, Estelle assures us British boys that she still has nothing but love for us. I should hope so too."