Paloma, only notable as being the only adult schoolgirl in St Trinians that you would not go there with. Signed to Sony's 'Jazz' subsidiary Epic Records, Paloma is destined to live in the shadow of the institution that is Winehouse. Having had the Amy-esque 'Stone Cold Sober' on top of the Radio One playlist, has inevitably left Paloma with the aforementioned labelling.
So the question is, does Paloma fit into the Joss Stone/ Amy Winehouse/ Duffy category?
Another young white girl imposing on Jazz? Definitely.
Quirky fashion sense? Tick
Does her jaw clench at the end of every vowel-ending word? Yes
The comparison is clear, and we can see that from the album. She's almost like a straight-edge version of Amy, vivid imagery and adjectives in their plentifuls. In the second release from the album 'New York', Paloma doesn't exactly offer an acute view of life or experience in the big apple, more of the dreams of a young girl. This is what separates her from the cringe-inducing Joss Stone. She appears down to Earth, well as down to Earth as any other 'alternative' girl in the street. Ever the extrovert and always the cry for individuality.
Highlights include the soul-uplifting 'Stargazer', with it's simple lyrics and thudding bass, is reminiscent of a montage for a Disney Princess. But in a good way, trust me. The attitude-filled 'Smoke and Mirrors' seems destined for the soundtrack of the next chick flick to be released, *picture it as Matthew McConaughey has just told his bitchy fiance that he doesn't love her because he loves Jennifer Garner instead, because their love was true in high school*.
It is definitely great listening, music that transcends age and culture barriers. Exactly like Winehouse before her, she's cool enough for the kids and soulful enough for the easy listeners. She's not doing anything innovative, yet she's not doing anything wrong. She was just a few years too late.
5/10
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