After soul singer Duffy’s tremendous success with debut record, Rockferry, which earned her a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album as well as United Kingdom’s best-selling record in 2008, her second effort, Endlessly, brings about the question of whether it can match Rockferry’s success, or even outdo it.

Constantly compared with legendary ‘60s English singer Dusty Springfield and the tragic talent that is Amy Winehouse, Duffy has been long noted for her signature sultry, raspy croon and retro-influenced music stylistics. And this time, she collaborates with veteran musician-producer Albert Hammond who has been in the industry for nearly 50 years and has written numerous sentimental hits including Aretha Franklin and Elton John’s 1989 duet “Through The Storm”. This results in Duffy’s already old-world sound coming through even more strongly in Endlessly, with Urbanwire being constantly reminded of other ‘50s and ‘60s female singers throughout the album’s listen.

For example, “Too Hurt To Dance” almost immediately reminds usof singer Patti Page’s popular 1950 hit “Tennessee Waltz”. Even the lyrics are reminiscent of the melancholy found in typical ‘50s and ‘60s slow songs.

If they call it heartache/If they call it heartache/Why is the rest of my body aching/ Why is the rest of my body shaking/Please Mr DJ won’t you turn the music down/Why can’t you understand/I’m too hurt to dance tonight”

Indeed, it’s the slow ditties in this album that reminds us of the enormous talent behind Duffy’s Grammy victory in 2009. The Welsh singer strikes rustic gold with “Endlessly”, a charming number whereby she croons about looking for The One. With its deceptively simple instrumentals that give way to a stirring near-confessional by the singer, “Don’t Forsake Me” is another delightful listen, although the lyrics are anything but.

Retro vibe aside, it’s a quirkier and bolder Duffy whom we see here. With breezy confidence and sass, she sings of being a cougar in May-December relationships in the upbeat and addictive “My Boy”, boldly and almost gleefully trilling,

I’m his lover not his mother/Why you starin’ at each other?/What’s your problem? /I’m not his keeper, I’m his teacher/Ho, ‘n it goes deeper/What’s your problem?”

Another notable mention would be “Keeping My Baby”, whereby the Grammy winner sings about an unexpected pregnancy and abandonment with strange gusto. The song, which juxtaposes rather dismal lyrics with a fast-paced and snazzy tune, is definitely an unusual listen but goes down surprisingly well.

Not all songs are winners though. The buoyant lead single “Well, Well, Well” certainly grabs your attention, but not in a good way. This time, Duffy’s sultry croon fails her and she sounds almost nasal at times, especially in the opening chorus. And after the third cringe-worthy chant of “Well Well Well”, and well, it took all of our effort not to hurriedly switch to the next track.

Overall, while it is too early to say whether the Welsh singer’s second record is able to match up to her first hit album,  Endlessly which debuted with a sale of 18,000 copies in its first week release is a charmingly good listen. It should also be noted that despite the old-school influences, Endlessly isn’t a retro overkill,decently balancing the right amount of nostalgic allure with contemporary instrumental elements throughout.

Artiste: Duffy

Album: Endlessly

Rating: ★✭★✭✩

Language: English

Genre: Pop

Record Label: A & M Records

Release Date: 29 November 2010

Track list:

1. My Boy

2. Too Hurt to Dance

3. Keeping My Baby

4. Well, Well, Well

5. Don’t Forsake Me

6. Endlessly

7. Breath Away

8. Lovestruck

9. Girl

10. Hard for the Heart