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JemFinally Woken SonyBMG In 1999 the newly-graduated Welsh-born Jem became a DJ manager. From there she wrote her first song with Guy Sigsworth (Bjork, Frou Frou), Nothing Fails, which subsequently appeared on Madonna's 'American Life' album. After many more years on the fringes of pop music Jem has brought out her first album 'Finally Woken'. In keeping with Jem's overall look this album is very light-hearted and girly, with a range of musical styles from hip-hop beats to crude dub. Think Dido without all the emotional baggage. They is a fantastic song to start the album off with, demonstrating Jem's ability to take the piss and still come out with a really good piece of work. It flows into Come On Closer, a song which I've heard played a lot in the past few months: it reminds me a bit too closely of the top 40 in 2003, and has an almost Anastasia-like ring. First single Finally Woken is very much background music: like Dido mixed by a very competent DJ. Although this is Jem's debut, it soon becomes apparent that she has a lot of experience: the polished sound of Just A Ride demonstrates her obvious knowledge of how to craft a song. Unlike many artists around at the moment Jem knows exactly who she is and what her music shows about her, and this is one great Sunday morning album. I recommend a listen: it's well worth it.  |
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