MARCELLA DETROIT - JEWEL

My first exposure to Marcella Detroit happened while living in Europe. Shakespear's Sister had a huge hit on the radio with 'Stay'. I was immediately taken with her voice. If you know me, you know I don't usually take interest in vocalists. I did really get caught up in that song. Enough to buy the album years later and when I discovered she was more than just a legitimate voice, but a songwriter and musician as well my interest grew. I bought 'Jewel' without hearing a single song from the disc.

My continued impression of the disc is favorable, though I do find it inconsistent. The cover tunes, although probably appropriate, are somewhat lackluster and really don't fit her. Marcella has a magnificent powerful voice. She's also got an off beat dark writing style. On this record she tries to blend that with Motown sounding R&B styles with varying degrees of success. In my opinion, she would have fared better focusing on developing her own original sound rather than integrating Motown. She covers Sly And The Family Stone's 'I Want To Take You Higher' using a bluesy 90's beat. However modern the music sounds, the vocals are mixed so far back in the track there's no power and the club layers only serve to slow the beat further. Ashford And Simpson's 'Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing' is performed with Elton John. Once again, the vocals are mixed back on the track and the music is so subdued there's no intensity. I suspect both of these tracks were recorded in the same session.

The rest of the disc is broken up between some really interesting and different songs with those Detroit arranges with the Motown feel. 'I'm No Angel' and 'You Don't Tell Me Everything' are both songs with that straightforward Motown drumming. 'I'm No Angel' also incorporates Detroit's interesting lyrics and some great vocals.

The title track, 'Jewel' is an amazing number with tense vocals and an urgency you can almost cut with a knife. The vocal distortions create a feeling of confinement and apprehension. It's because of this mood, the song is effective. As she changes keys and maneuvers through the song, Detroit evokes a feeling of Old English chamber music. It's an odd but completely satisfying number. 'I Believe' sounds like something from "The Crying Game", but it's a very pretty if unremarkable number. 'Perfect World' has an interesting drum motif and though the lyrics are somewhat cliche, it's still an enjoyable tune. 'Art Of Melancholy' is a masterpiece. Truly something original and exciting. The vocal delivery is powerful! 'James Brown' is lackluster and would have served better sung by someone in a lower register. A song she should have donated to someone else. 'Detroit' is a brilliant tune. Not only is it awesome for her, it could easily have been a major staple for other artists. It's got an amazing drive. It's one of those tunes with lasting potential.

'Cool People' is probably my favorite track on the disc. Both this song and 'Prima Donna' are songs that fit neatly into the Marcella Detroit sound. 'Prima Donna' features some Beatles sounding background vocals. 'Out Of Mind' has the feel of a 1950's ballad. I could picture this song being played at a high school formal with couples waltzing sweetly across a gym floor. I really enjoy this song. The chorus is beyond sweet and sentimental.

So my overall opinion remains inconsistent, but amazingly brilliant at times. An amazing talent showcasing some of the things that should have made her one of the biggest names in the business. If you can find it, you should certainly try it. My final word: INCONSISTENT.

MARCELLA DETROIT - JEWEL
01. Jewel
02. I Believe
03. Perfect World
04. Art Of Melancholy
05. James Brown
06. Detroit
07. Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing
08. I'm No Angel
09. I Want To Take You Higher
10. You Don't Tell Me Everything
11. Cool People
12. Out Of My Mind
13. Prima Donna