Song of the Week- 14th October 2013

Song of the Week- I Hope by Rebecca Ferguson, from the album Freedom

Rebecca Ferguson is definitely an example of the great success that can come from just even appearing on a music talent show. After finishing in second place on the 2010 series of X Factor, the singer went on two release her critically acclaimed album Heaven, which was certified two times platinum in the UK and charted in a number of worldwide territories. Yet for me she didn't get the full attention she deserved, having a soulful tone, a lyrical honesty and a all-round beautiful essence that matches with some of todays high rolling female musicians, most prominently Adele. I Hope marks the singers comeback in a way after a some time away from media attention, and whilst the track definitely keeps in line with her previous soul pop orientated work, their is for me a new intensity with this song, and it just has that awesome dramatic power that keeps you interested, and is a great way to start off the campaign for her new record. The song finds Ferguson lyrically coming to the realisation that she has too let go of the past and wishes the best for a past lover. Lyrics are always a strong point when this singer is concerned, and I Hope is no exception, with the verses being vulnerable and controlled with ease, whilst the chorus for the most part focuses on the repetition of I Hope which acts as an impressive and interesting hook. Vocally the song finds Ferguson on fine form, with her smooth tone putting the listener at ease, whilst she also brings a passion to the words that shows she is really invested in what she is singing about, and the gospel elements of the chorus add that extra fire power of catchiness to the track. What is most interesting for me with this new track is the production, which features a looping drum beat that acts as the intense backbone of the track sonically, whilst lush piano melodies bring out the potential vulnerability of some of the lyrics. The sound isn't necessarily a big change for the singer, but there is a subtle forcefulness to the songs overall sound that feels fresh, as if Ferguson is simply telling her listener that she has really grown between albums in a sophisticated, very interesting way, and this subtle edge is also great in that you really become more invested with the track after repeated listens. A stunning, stellar track that I am hoping will get into the UK top ten, fingers crossed, and a song that gets me excited for Freedom.