Customer Reviews:
 American Song May 10, 2008
Michael Kerner (Brooklyn, New York U.S.A.)
5 out of 7 found this review helpful
When it comes down to this past year, we really haven't heard much with a good style of R&B from overseas. While so much of the latest Soul songs have been feeling mostly flimsy from newcomers like American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and even legendary divas like Mariah Carey, there really is a whole lot more that could sound better. For newcomer Estelle, she really has shown that she has a dominant beat from Londowntown in the U.K.. Her debut single, American Boy from her first album Shine. The song is a very strong collaboration with rapper Kayne West and captures the R&B beat that I haven't heard as well as when I've heard from since The Brand New Heavies back in the 90's. The song is really one of those hidden surprises out there that radio hasn't yet picked up in America. I really hope audiences give Estelle a warm welcome, and I hope she makes really good songs for years to come.
Song: B 1/2+
Estelle is legit! Don't miss this one... August 9, 2008
DJ Come of Age (Kaiserslautern, Germany)
Don't you just love it when they say an artist "came out of nowhere?" Honestly, is there really such a thing ? Seemingly overnight, Estelle gained quite a bit of popularity with the American Boy single. This quirky collabo with Kanye West is a funky little number. (I'm not a big Kanye fan, but the two are very much in sync with the dialogue here. )Estelle comes from the U.K. and although this may be her biggest hit to date, as a full album "Shine" is her sophomore project. Collaborations include work with Wyclef Jean, Kardinal Offshall, and Hi-Tek. She has a beautiful voice and talent enough to shine on her own!
A Funky Dance Rap Song, or Does Nationality Make Any Difference? September 25, 2008
Flap Jackson (State Road, NC)
With a vocals and a London accent almost exactly like Kate Nash & Lilly Allen, Estelle figured she'd swoop up a bunch of popular rappers to duet with, supposedly distingwishing herself from the rest of the crowd, and naturally chart success will follow. Whether it'll reach for the higher spots in the chart remains to be seen, but the song remains a pleasant dance number nonetheless.
It retains a funky dance beat reminiscent of the 70s, and it causes you to move you feet all through the song. It turns into an all-out dance number during the chorus, and the catch is for you to get caught up in the music and ignore the lyrics.
It almost reads more like a quasai-rap song than anything, with Kanye and Estelle both sharing rapping duties. The only problem is, it isn't all that great, with lots of pauses thrown in for effect, and other rapping curveballs tossed out just to shake things up. So, you have a funky dance number that starts and slows, slows and starts.
So, if you're looking for an American boy, or any other boy for that matter, or just some funky dance music, come on in to Estelle's party and pick up some funk. Sure, they could have filled the song in more, but it remains pleasant for the most part.
Coming to America October 4, 2008
Amaranth (Northern California)
Estelle's "American Boy" is a joyous,lighthearted rap reminiscent of Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put your record on." It's an energetic blend of soul,hip-hop,and dance. Estelle is from the UK,and this song is her ode to America. (Maybe this song will supplant Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" at July 4th celebrations) Estelle sings of Chicago, Los Angeles; her ode is a travelogue. "American Boy" is all-American fun from Britain!
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