GEMMA HAYES

CD Review

Let It Break

The petite Irish songstress is about to release her fourth album and she will be bringing out Shock to the System as the first single from the collection.

Gemma Hayes whose latest album is out on May 27

You may not be familiar with Gemma's work, and if you are not then shame on you, but if you are a fan of hit shows such as Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill and The Vampire Diaries then you may have unwittingly already succumbed to her beguiling voice.

There is a real depth to her singing and you feel the emotion in every note she sings in tracks such as To Be Beside You which is a slow ballad that draws you into her world.

Although she has her own distinctive qualities she does evoke comparisons with The Corrs, Cyndi Lauper and even Joni Mitchell these become apparent on Waiting for You which has a lovely light beat to it which defies you to keep your feet still.

You can find out for yourself how mellow and good her voice can be on May 27 when she appears at the Glee Club in Birmingham, which is a great intimate venue perfect for folk acts such as Gemma. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are £10 there is no entry after 7.45. Getting back to her album her sumptuous voice is shown to its full potential on Noise which is simply Gemma's voice and a piano.

While listening to There's Only Love I couldn't help but think of Dolores O'Riordan who has a great voice but has slipped off the radar somewhat. I think without doubt my favourite track is Sorrow Be Gone which displays here sweet voice that just takes you to a different place and carries more than overtones of the fantastic songstress Eva Cassidy.

If you appreciate gorgeous voices with deep emotional singing then you need to add Let It Break to your list of music.