Clare Maguire

Light After DarkPolydor ****

One listen to Last Danceand you'll understand all the fuss over this Birmingham-Irish singer. With pop stars coming and going through the industry's turnstile, here's someone you can build a long-term career on. This isn't Rhianna territory; Maguire eschews r'n'b tics and hip-hop inflections to marry a classic 1960s Dusty-style vocal with modern studio trimmings. The only flaw is that sometimes the music is too busy for the lyrics and voice to stand alone. Sweet Liehas just a bit too much going on, yet on the closer, This Is Not The End(effectively an Irish trad ballad), you're left in no doubt of her stunning ability. Maguire's debut is coming down with elegance, style and promise. Where she goes from here will be very interesting. See claremaguire.co.uk

Download tracks: Last Dance, Freedom