Emeli Sandé

The opening track on Emeli Sandé's debut release, Our Version of Events, sets the stage for Sandé's honest R&B/soul sound. Many of the tracks on the project sound like they were heavily influenced by the late '90s UK electronic/soul sound, while others have an earthy, folksy R&B/pop vibe. Collectively, they make for an intriguing yet imperfect debut. Sandé, who sounds like a cross between R&B/pop singers Beyoncé and Tamia, definitely has the vocal strength and ability, and the production and musicianship are certainly polished throughout. Perhaps too much so ― socially aware songs like "Hope" and "Read All About It" veer a bit close to dreaded saccharin territory, balanced only by more grounded fare like "Mountains" and "Suitcase." As a debut, Our Version of Events sets the groundwork as an introduction to the talented artist. It's a flawed yet noteworthy project that whets the appetite for Sandé's sophomore effort.