‘Stay The Same’ is the first single released from Gabrielle’s new album ‘Play To Win.’ The single starts with very much a Tracy Chapman style having a nice acoustic guitar sound which develops into a blues feel using slide guitar. Gabrielle comes through with loads of soul, conviction and honesty. She’s got a distinctive sound that has continued though her career and remains the same. Her lyrics can definitely be related to and hits you deep down. The music is based

around a pop, commercial formula that is well executed and works well with her lyrics. This track is an easy listening, soulful effort that could well be placed in a romantic or introspective time in your life. Not for the angst massive.

‘Letting Go’ is more Motown meets Pop Idol. I can hear The Supremes and Boys To Men but it’s polluted with a music industry formula that obviously sells records but doesn’t challenge you. It could be deeper and could do more.

Tareck Ghoneim

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