Grainne Duffy
Album: Test Of Time
Label: GD Records
Tracks: 11
Website: www.grainneduffy.com

I'll admit that I'd never heard of Grainne Duffy when I was handed her album Test of Time. Getting through the first four minutes of loveliness that is opener 'Everyday' however and I felt I'd missed out on something quite special. And it's not her subtle Irish charm that does it; it's the understated sassiness behind her lyrics and in her voice that indicates a lady with plans for a bright future.

'Everyday' is a bittersweet intro track that gives 'Test of Time' a well deserved nod of approval from the off with its gentle wave through a fervent torment that hangs onto your emotional coat tails with a vice like grip. 'Let Me In' is that silent plea to that person who gets your head in a spin yet has no idea of your feelings. It could have been so easy to take this track down a tear-stained alley of sadness but Duffy and her band give it a rocky twist to keep it just on the right side of frustrated.

'Rockin' Rollin' Stone' keeps up the bluesy rockiness and has some awesome guitars throughout that give the track its edge. 'Sweet Sweet Baby' is a darker, emotion-filled track that sweeps in a little reggae tinged track bed and has the bass that keeps it on your mind long after you've stopped listening. It's a song for everyone who's ever been let down by a lover with lyrics 'your hangin' round/your bringin' me up/then you bring me right back down' that speak to dented hearts everywhere.

'Test of Time' creeps gently out of the speakers before Duffy's voice fills in with a gravelly Chrissie Hynde undertone perfect for the lyrics and music. It's the song midway through the album that does your heart good.

'Don't You Remember' and 'Please Take Care' are beautifully simple tracks that tease a smile onto your face without you realising. If you ever watched Ally McBeal then you'll get that these tracks wouldn't be out of place on its OST; uplifting and wistful all at once. Just lovely.

'What More Can I Do' is a sadder track with a country lilt that's threatened throughout the album but only makes an appearance here. Duffy's lyrics 'heavy as a heart with no song to sing' is tragic as a lyric but so not true for her; she has plenty to sing about and does it with style and class. 'I Know We're Gonna Be Just Fine' is perhaps one of the albums little gems tucked away at the back. It might be short on words but it's the chorus that haves you believing that yes, everything will be fine. Inspiring, sweet and heart warming sums the track up and leaves you wanting more than its three minutes.

'Falling For You' picks up the pace for a last shindig which is brilliantly placed after the preceding three gentle tracks. Duffy reveals that feisty side again but reigned in enough to keep her bluesy. And let's not forget the accompanying band. Without their combined talents the album wouldn't be the winner which it will (hopefully) be. Final track 'In My Arms' has every potential to bring a sneaky tear to your eye with its slow and endearing tone and Duffy's swing between pain-filled and realisation lyrics. This is the perfect end to a stunner of an album.

Grainne Duffy is a name to remember which after hearing this album, should be filed under D in your collection for some time to come.

Emma Sutherland
http://emmasutherland.posterous.com