Mar 2008

The UK's finest, multiple award-winning artist Estelle is back with 'Shine' - her stunning new album. The first artist signed by US soul sensation John Legend, to his new Homeschool Records label, Estelle's new album features collaborations with Wyclef Jean, will.i.am, Swizz Beats, Mark Ronson and Kanye West, as well as a beautiful duet with John Legend.

"I have known John for a while now...We worked on my first album '18th Day' before he was signed. He featured on 'Hey Girl', played piano on 'Free', and appeared in the video. As I went to do my second album I asked him to help exec-produce it. As I progressed with it, I left my label and he said he'd sign me...and here we are today! We always make great songs together. While I like and listen to a lot of musicians - there aren't many that I respect on a level to help me write songs or upgrade/push me as an artist… but John is one of them."

John Legend continues: "I'm thrilled to be a part of Estelle's career. This album is truly an accomplishment. She will be one of the most of exciting breakthrough talents of 2008. Mark my words."

• Q (Magazine) (p.107) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "^I]t's quality urban pop that achieves its goal..."

'Shine' is the second album from Estelle. Relocating to America and signing to John Legend's label Homebound has lead to rejuvination and recognition for the Britsh singer and rapper. Roping in friends such as Will.I.Am, John Legend, Wyclef Jean and Mark Ronson for production duties has lead to a infusion of styles from hip hop, RnB, pop and reggae. The results are uplifting, breezy, glossy and soulful. Includes collaborations with Cee-Lo and Kanye West, who is featured on the single 'American Boy'.

The debut album from British R&B ingenue Estelle (the first artist signed to John Legend's Homeschool label) is delightfully difficult to pigeonhole. The effervescent single "American Boy" harks back to party-hearty, Chic-era disco, while other tracks ("More than Friends," "Back in Love") showcase Estelle's rich, emotional voice. "Pretty Please Love Me" (featuring Cee-Lo) is a slice of classic Philly soul, while reggae-tinged songs like "Magnificent" suggest Rihanna's wiser older sister. Most remarkable is how Estelle's lady-like moxie shines through on every track, providing consistency and announcing a major new R&B talent.

West Londoner Estelle (Swaray) was one of the new generation of UK urban artists to emerge in the early years of the twenty-first century. After successfully establishing herself as a leading underground performer, Estelle launched her mainstream career in 2004 with the hit singles "1980" and "Free". Debut album THE 18TH DAY was a highly impressive hip-hop soul set that although well received critically, mysteriously stalled at no.35 in the UK album chart. After relocating to New York, her career was revitalised after patronage from nu-soul star and fan John Legend (who signed Estelle to his own Atlantic imprint), and being invited to support the all-conquering Kanye West on his 2008 UK tour. Second album SHINE featured guests Cee-Lo, and Kardinal Offshall, as well as West and Legend, and includes production by Mark Ronson, Will.i.am, Wyclef and Swizz Beats amongst others.