In 2010, the London-based, blue-eyed soul artist Rumer released her debut album Seasons of My Soul. The lead single was the track “Slow,” an achingly beautiful ballad with a melody which, until I learned otherwise from the album credits, I had assumed had been written by the great Burt Bacharach. It debuted at #16 on the UK singles chart but surprisingly dropped off entirely after 3 weeks. The single also was released in Europe, where it failed to crack the Top 20, and appears not to have been sent to U.S. radio at all.
I can imagine the label’s thinking: “She sounds like Karen Carpenter singing a Bacharach track, the kids in America won’t be interested!” And perhaps they were right, this isn’t music for the teen market. It’s sophisticated, adult fare by an engaging vocalist with a lovely tone and a delightful authenticity. And if I could write a melody as gorgeous as this one, SoulTrackers, I’d give up my day job. It’s that special. Enjoy.
By Robb Patryk
