Shine

Estelle is a talented British R&B singer who also happens to be a rapper and a producer. She's all that glitters and more on her latest album ‘Shine’ — partly thanks to her hooking up with the likes of A-list producers Will.I.Am, Wyclef Jean and Gnarls Barkleys' Cee-Lo.

The opening track ‘Wait a minute (Just a touch)’ is a hip blend of sampled tracks from ‘Just a Touch of Love’ to ‘Easin' In’ as performed by Edwin Starr. And still it manages to sound completely original — Estelle’s voice is husky and the beats are easy and free.

If you’re a George Michael fan you’ll love ‘No Substitute Love’ which contains elements from his track ‘Faith’. Estelle personalises it well with a lighthearted rap and sweet backing vocals. No need to be wary of her use of samples so far, this girl is also very original.

‘American Boy’ featuring Kanye West has already reached number one in the UK singles chart and for a very good reason. But it's not the only winner here. Check out ‘More Than Friends’, for that slow dance mood, ‘Come On Over’ for a smooth reggae twist and ‘Pretty Please ( Love Me)’ featuring Cee-Lo for some get-down funk.

It all adds up to a highly impressive offering from Estelle. There should be plenty more to come from this talented Brit in the future — she is, without a doubt, destined to shine.