Lianne La Havas

London, UK singer/guitarist, and the latest next big thing to emerge from the UK music scene, Lianne La Havas has released her debut album, Is Your Love Big Enough? What strikes you initially is the innocence and beauty contained in La Havas's jazz-infused voice. Sweet, sensual and soulful, La Havas is a singer worthy of comparisons to Sade, blended with contemporary R&B influences. There are some great tracks – a standout being gorgeous opener "Don't Wake Me Up" – but, at times, it veers a bit too far into the saccharine, with the playing, unlike the singing, lacking a bit of soul. Havas is a genuine talent, which if backed by edgier musicians, à la Amy Winehouse, or a bolder producer could have delivered an even stronger album. Luckily, Havas's voice is sturdy enough to pull it off despite this. As it stands, we still have a superb album of gorgeously R&B-tinged pop songs that glides effortlessly from the upbeat, Lily Allen-esque "Forget" through the gorgeous balladry of "Lost & Found" to "No Room For Doubt," the single cut augmented by the Chris Martin meets Robert Wyatt tones of lone guest vocalist Willy Mason.