Altsounds - Beverley Knight - Every Step [Single]

This single - Every Step - is smooth R/n/B with a high gloss production. What it simply lacks is any grit, and remember that's what creates the pearl. Not that 'Every Step' is bad - just really unmemorable. There's a bit of my brain that I have to work on to stop it filtering out this kind of modern R and B as just 'noise'.

Beverley Knight has hoards of fans, and is mid-way through an extensive UK tour, so I have to accept that I just haven't got the RnB plug-in. But wait, I have. I truly rate Kanye West and classic era En Vogue was amongst my favourites for a while. This, on the other hand, is worthy but bland. Sample lyrics "Ooh…ooh…ahhh" and maybe a bit of stolen De La Soul influence. I've thought about it all day (yes... I know) and came to the conclusion that what I don't like about 'Every Step' is that it is just safe and middle of the road. I think it speaks volumes that the video I could find was of our Bev singing this on morning TV.

Now that's a real pity because Beverley Knight is an institution that has been awarded an MBE for her services to British music, and to loads of worthy charities, some even the same ones that I support. That doesn't change the fact that - try as I might - 'Every Step' remains as 'a bit like Whitney' and that really is damning with faint praise.

What grieves me most is that I've listened to this half a dozen times trying to get inside it. That's time I won't get back. The album is selling loads and you can buy this single as a download for 69 pence.

Or not as the case more than likely will be.