Rumer
Album: Into Colour
Label: Warners
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.rumer.co.uk

Rumer came to prominence in 2010 with her debut album "Seasons of my soul." At that time she was compared to Karen Carpenter, I think originally by Ken Bruce on Radio 2, and although I can understand the comparison, I feel it is slightly insulting to both performers. There was only one Karen Carpenter and likewise there is only one Rumer. However, they do both have voices that wash over you like warm chocolate and Rumer is the closest I have heard to being a female Nat King Cole from that perspective.

I saw her in concert just after the release of her first album and she put on a superb show even if she was still feeling her way as a performer. Her second album came out in 2012 and was titled "Boys don't cry." The third one, and we seem to be on a two year production cycle here, is "Into Colour." I have all three of the albums and the latest is, to my mind at least, the best of the three although they are all quite stunningly superb. It is also slightly more upbeat than the others. Her website states that she is in a happier mood in this album and it does show.

If you have not heard of Rumer but would like to listen to a quality artist singing superb vocals with wonderful melodies, then give this album a try. If you like to get out of your chair and leap around to the music, then forget it. This album is best listened to late at night with a glass of good red wine in front of a roaring fire. It just has that feeling to it.

Rumer is doing a national tour in December with Jools Holland who is a good judge of talent. If he thinks she is good then she really must be great. Dates are on the website and I can highly recommend her as an artist of the highest calibre.

If you are really not sure about investing in the album, try out the FREE download of Sam which is available from the website.

I am not going to pick out a particular track this time as they are all so good. Also, rather than try to explain the background to the songs, take a look at the Biog on her website. It is informative and gives a real insight into the mind of a songwriter.

In summary, this is a truly superb album that will make a wonderful Christmas present especially for a loved one. I can listen to Rumer for hours on end without getting bored. A true star!!!!

Rory Stanbridge