The most hotly anticipated album release of this New Year comes not from someone rammed into the collective consciousness by their media ubiquity. Duffy is an unknown quantity at this point, having performed but a small number of gigs, mostly in support of The Magic Numbers, and having only just begun to be seen on TV, most notably with recent appearances on Jools Hollands Later and New Year Hootenanny. Yet her soulful voice has already beguiled many of the nations musical tastemakers and news of its beauty and of the strength of her songs is spreading by word of mouth even as you read these words. Radio Ones Jo Whiley chose Duffys title track and album taster `Rockferry as her Single of the Week in late November, further adding to the momentum. Now, as the comparisons fly (Dusty Springfield has emerged as the favourite), its time to discover her for yourself. 1. Rockferry 2. Warwick Avenue 3. Serious 4. Stepping Stone 5. Syrup & Honey 6. Hanging On Too Long 7. Mercy 8. Delayed Devotion 9. Im Scared 10. Distant Dreamer
