Idolator

From time to time, we like to round up the all-important, all-summarizing last sentences of the biggest new-music reviews. Under consideration today is the new full-length by Duffy, Rockferry, which hits stores today:

• "Duffy's not a belter, but she boasts a cool power that is immensely aided by the cleverness of Rockferry's instrumental settings, which employ mostly acoustic instruments for a warmer sound that, in combination with Duffy's vocal prowess, stays sweet, soulful and satisfying." [Los Angeles Times]

• "There are moments when Duffy sounds a bit Idol-esque, as if she's performing to a televised audience and a panel of judges. But that's not surprising considering she competed on the Welsh equivalent of the Idol franchise in 2003. (Surprisingly, she placed second.) These are mere quibbles though when considering the mastery Duffy shows on most of the album. 'Hanging On Too Long,' 'Syrup & Honey' and 'Warwick Avenue' are fantastic examples of her singing—and writing abilities (she co-wrote all of the songs on the album). Duffy is a contender with teeth, as well as a whole lot of soul. She is a worthy and deserving new star." [Vancouver Sun]

• "With assistance from former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, who doodles Beatlesque solos and provides evocative retro production, Duffy makes a case for herself as Amy Winehouse's better-behaved sister. Where Winehouse begged 'No, no, no' on her breakout single, 'Rehab,' Duffy counters with 'Yeah, yeah, yeah' alongside keening strings on the organ-pumping track 'Mercy.' Rather than crooning about being committed, she sounds like she's being released." [Rolling Stone]

• "Duffy has made an uncommonly beautiful album, loaded with love and melancholy and genuine 22-year-old yearning....[t]he gorgeous Welsh singer slathers her bruised-violet voice on a set of songs that float on an ocean of strings, brushed rhythms and heavenly Motown-style harmonies. It's hard to pick one—or even seven—favorites, but jittery single 'Mercy' aside, the late-night heartbreakers like 'Stepping Stone' and 'Warwick Avenue' are just about as good as this whole retro-soul thing is going to get." [San Francisco Chronicle]