Product Description Heaped with praise from all corners of the media, three times winner of the UK Hip Hop Awards, and the most respected female rapper in Britain, Estelle has had a lot to live up to. Regarded for some time as a "star-in-the-making", the young MC finally lived up to the hype when debut single "1980" rocketed up the charts and became a huge summer hit. It's no longer about potential. This girl has surpassed all expectations and achieved a milestone in UK hip-hop. Unlike other Brit-hop competitors who have failed to set the charts alight, she is taking on the mainstream. And winning. "1980" displayed a sense of familiarity and girl-next-door character that the nation immediately tuned into. But Estelle is not one to play the pity me card and will not go along with the "rising above the ghetto" template. The positivity of her music shines like a beacon and cuts through the grime, crime and "tryin' to make a dime" stance that characterises much of the UK urban scene. "Free" is a real call to the nation's youth to do something with their lives. The same encouragement is given in "Change is Coming", and in the gospel-inspired "Gonna Win" her self-belief wins through as she heeds the inner voice that tells her to keep pressing on with her music, despite what others say. .co.uk Although voted best newcomer at the 2004 MOBO awards, for some, Estelle's debut, The 18th Day, has been a long time coming. One of the most respected female rappers in the UK, Estelle's style effortlessly eschews the trappings of sounding like her US counterparts and gives her a really natural, British, flow. The album is almost split into two distinct styles: one half funky, UK R&B hip-hop whereas the other more downbeat and soulful. Opening track "1980" sums up the early part--the backing a wall of sound and the catchy vocals reminiscing about growing up. "Dance Bitch" is slightly more US sounding where one can hear echoes of Missy Elliott; "Go Gone" is fun and poppy, sounding like an update on the classic Northern Soul sound; and "Free" is a bouncy funk number and also second single.For the ballad "I Wanna Love You", Estelle slips more into singing mode and her confidence grows with each subsequent song. "Crazy" shows off the range and dexterity of her voice, it may not be that of a world-class soul diva but it's strong and the phrasing is fantastic. One big highlight is, "I'm Gonna Win"--dramatic, rousing and an uplifting moment on a really enjoyable album. On The 18th Day there is very little filler and whilst the heavy ballad section can be a little bit too much, it never falls into bland mediocrity.--David Trueman
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Review Upon first hearing her autobiographical debut single "1980", you'd be forgiven for dismissing Estelle as another Chav chancer yammering about her newly-bling life. However, on closer inspection, the song's self-deprecating lyrics suggest a more humble approach than the grandstanding of many of her peers, and it's precisely this down-to-earth, every woman charm which characterises much of her debut LP.Estelle's key reference points are clearly evident throughout The 18th Day - equal parts Salt 'n' Pepa and Missy Elliott (whose influence is most notable in the tart lyrics and high sass of "Dance Bitch"), the album is topped off with a significant nod to Destiny's Child (the twangy hookline and sexy, shadowy chorus of "Don't Talk" are a thinly-veiled imitation of "Bootylicious").Musically, however, there is also a significant amount of individual ambition on display, as showcased most impressively in the multilayered urban bustle of "Change Is Coming". Indeed, Estelle's willingness to experiment with different styles is a major plus-point: a pounding modern spin on 60s girl-groups makes "Go Gone" a notable standout, whereas latest single "Free" is an obvious choice for chart success with its funky, Jackson 5-esque disco-bounce.It's a shame then that after such an inventive start the album begins to flag midway, with a series of mid-tempo ballads plodding by in unremarkable succession. Guest appearances from Baby Blue and Royston occasionally enliven the proceedings, but after the initial sparkle it often seems like Estelle is the kind of friend whose parties you'd readily attend provided she doesn't start talking about her love-life.Thankfully, there are a couple more blinders scattered along the way in the form of the catchy schoolyard hip-hop of "On And On" and the soaring, inspirational "Gonna Win", both of which suggest that if Estelle can match her infectious energy and engaging personality to a higher percentage of winning tunes, she will rightfully follow in the footsteps of the artists she so clearly admires. As it stands, this is a promising and slickly-produced debut which -while far from groundbreaking - possesses enough easy charisma to mark her out from the rest of the pack. --Chris CarterFind more music at the BBC This link will take you off in a new window See more
Reviews
4.1
All from verified purchases
C**S
Reminiscent of Lauren Hill, same greatness
I remember quite a number of Estelles songs. They are still great. If you liked Lauren Hill, Estelle keeps it real like that.
L**Z
Four Stars
good little cd thanks
G**
Great
Great song writing and great tunes
M**S
False advertising!
Freedom is not on here! This is my favourite Estelle track!!Some of the other tracks are good (see Change is Coming and Hey Girl with John Legend) but there is a bit too much soul - albeit some of it very good - at the end of the album. I am more of a hip hop fan and did not expect so much soul, especially at the end. Her singing is good but don't enjoy out n out pop tracks (see Go Gone) Well done to Estelle though, she comes from a scene where not many people can achieve the success and acceptance she has - it's good to see someone doing things like Band Aid with talented mainstream artists.I am very disappointed in amazon for sending me something that doesn't have the track I wanted on there - I know I could have returned it but I shouldn't have to.
A**R
Five Stars
Great purchase.
D**O
Four Stars
Great
"**"
Pure Class
This is a must for any fan of Urban music. Est'Elle is a fantastic singer and has an album full of strong, soulful tracks. The singles '1980' and 'Free' are great but the album has so much more to offer. Every song is credible and worth listening to and this in my opinion is one of the best (if not the best) album of the year. Est'Elle is here and flying the flag for British black music, let's not turn away another raw talented artist!Buy this album!
O**R
One Star
does not play
D**H
Damit hier endlich mal ne Bewertung steht!!!
Keine Ahnung, warum Estelle kein größeres Publikum erreicht. An ihrem Album kann es nicht liegen. Da sind meiner Meinung durchaus Sachen darauf die kommerziell erfolgreich sein könnten, was aber nicht heisst, dass es Mainstream ist. 18th Day ist ein hochklassiges Hip Hop / R'n'B Album, das zeigt, dass es auch in England Talente gibt. Der erste Teil der Platte geht ein bisschen mehr in Richtung Hip Hop, der zweite etwas mehr in Richtung R'n'B. Mir gefällt beides. Auf jeden Fall einige tanzbare Sachen dabei.Ich würd mal sagen, wem das Ms.Dynamite-Album gefallen hat kann hier ohne Bedenken zugreifen.
夢**人
ジョン・レジェンド参加の「Hey Girl」に注目！
エリカ・バドゥあたりを想わせる理知的でいかにも歌えそうなルックス。そして，アルバムの冒頭を飾る「1980」の，UKソウルらしいシンフォニックでスケールの大きなフレーズ。思わず「待ってました!!」と手を叩いてしまったのだが・・・・。2曲，3曲と聞いていくと，最近流行りのアップリフティングなバウンス物あり，ロックっぽい激しいビートのナンバーありと，つかみどころのなさに「？」。 ところが，困惑したまま迎えた中盤。アコースティックで透明感のある「I Wanna Love You」から事態は一気に好転。レイトナイト向けのメロウでセンチメンタルな「Maybe」，アンニュイなバラード「Crazy」，ほのぼのとした雰囲気でゆったりと流れる「All Over Again」，ハッピーで浮遊感のある「Dance With Me」と好ナンバーが目白押し。中でも最大の注目は，何とジョン・レジェンドがヴォーカルを務める「Hey Girl」だろう。サム・ディーズが作曲したナンバーをサンプリングしたソウルフルなトラックとメロウで滑らかなEstelleのラップも見事で感涙もの。 UKのMOBOアワーズを獲得したというだけあって，ヴォーカルもラップも一級品のEstelle。あとは総花主義的な楽曲構成が悪い方向に出なければ言うことなし。今後が楽しみだ。
M**.
ESTELLE!!!!!!!!!!!
This is "Raw, Hollywood hasn't changed me, I'm still fighting for my dreams and making sure I help my team to get on too" Estelle...and I LOVE it! "Crazy" is my faaaaaaaaaaaavorite track on this album!!!! I told her that via Twitter and she actually replied back! Love the album, LOVE Estelle!
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Upon first hearing her autobiographical debut single \"1980\", you'd be forgiven for dismissing Estelle as another Chav chancer yammering about her newly-bling life. However, on closer inspection, the song's self-deprecating lyrics suggest a more humble approach than the grandstanding of many of her peers, and it's precisely this down-to-earth, every woman charm which characterises much of her debut LP.
Estelle's key reference points are clearly evident throughout The 18th Day - equal parts Salt 'n' Pepa and Missy Elliott (whose influence is most notable in the tart lyrics and high sass of \"Dance Bitch\"), the album is topped off with a significant nod to Destiny's Child (the twangy hookline and sexy, shadowy chorus of \"Don't Talk\" are a thinly-veiled imitation of \"Bootylicious\").
Musically, however, there is also a significant amount of individual ambition on display, as showcased most impressively in the multilayered urban bustle of \"Change Is Coming\". Indeed, Estelle's willingness to experiment with different styles is a major plus-point: a pounding modern spin on 60s girl-groups makes \"Go Gone\" a notable standout, whereas latest single \"Free\" is an obvious choice for chart success with its funky, Jackson 5-esque disco-bounce.
It's a shame then that after such an inventive start the album begins to flag midway, with a series of mid-tempo ballads plodding by in unremarkable succession. Guest appearances from Baby Blue and Royston occasionally enliven the proceedings, but after the initial sparkle it often seems like Estelle is the kind of friend whose parties you'd readily attend provided she doesn't start talking about her love-life.
Thankfully, there are a couple more blinders scattered along the way in the form of the catchy schoolyard hip-hop of \"On And On\" and the soaring, inspirational \"Gonna Win\", both of which suggest that if Estelle can match her infectious energy and engaging personality to a higher percentage of winning tunes, she will rightfully follow in the footsteps of the artists she so clearly admires. As it stands, this is a promising and slickly-produced debut which -while far from groundbreaking - possesses enough easy charisma to mark her out from the rest of the pack. --Chris Carter
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If you liked Lauren Hill, Estelle keeps it real like that."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"L***Z"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 November 2016","name":"4.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Four Stars\n \n","reviewBody":"good little cd thanks"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"G*** "},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 December 2019","name":"5.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Great\n \n","reviewBody":"Great song writing and great tunes"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"3.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"M***S"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 August 2005","name":"3.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n False advertising!\n \n","reviewBody":"Freedom is not on here! This is my favourite Estelle track!!Some of the other tracks are good (see Change is Coming and Hey Girl with John Legend) but there is a bit too much soul - albeit some of it very good - at the end of the album. I am more of a hip hop fan and did not expect so much soul, especially at the end. Her singing is good but don't enjoy out n out pop tracks (see Go Gone) Well done to Estelle though, she comes from a scene where not many people can achieve the success and acceptance she has - it's good to see someone doing things like Band Aid with talented mainstream artists.I am very disappointed in amazon for sending me something that doesn't have the track I wanted on there - I know I could have returned it but I shouldn't have to."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"A***R"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 June 2017","name":"5.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Five Stars\n \n","reviewBody":"Great purchase."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"D***O"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 May 2015","name":"4.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Four Stars\n \n","reviewBody":"Great"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"\"***\""},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 November 2004","name":"5.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Pure Class\n \n","reviewBody":"This is a must for any fan of Urban music. Est'Elle is a fantastic singer and has an album full of strong, soulful tracks. The singles '1980' and 'Free' are great but the album has so much more to offer. Every song is credible and worth listening to and this in my opinion is one of the best (if not the best) album of the year. Est'Elle is here and flying the flag for British black music, let's not turn away another raw talented artist!Buy this album!"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"1.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"O***R"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 August 2017","name":"1.0 out of 5 stars\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n One Star\n \n","reviewBody":"does not play"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"D***H"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in Germany on 20 July 2005","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n Damit hier endlich mal ne Bewertung steht!!!\n \n \n","reviewBody":"Keine Ahnung, warum Estelle kein größeres Publikum erreicht. An ihrem Album kann es nicht liegen. Da sind meiner Meinung durchaus Sachen darauf die kommerziell erfolgreich sein könnten, was aber nicht heisst, dass es Mainstream ist. 18th Day ist ein hochklassiges Hip Hop / R'n'B Album, das zeigt, dass es auch in England Talente gibt. Der erste Teil der Platte geht ein bisschen mehr in Richtung Hip Hop, der zweite etwas mehr in Richtung R'n'B. Mir gefällt beides. Auf jeden Fall einige tanzbare Sachen dabei.Ich würd mal sagen, wem das Ms.Dynamite-Album gefallen hat kann hier ohne Bedenken zugreifen."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"夢***人"},"datePublished":"Reviewed in Japan on 26 June 2005","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n ジョン・レジェンド参加の「Hey Girl」に注目！\n \n \n","reviewBody":"エリカ・バドゥあたりを想わせる理知的でいかにも歌えそうなルックス。そして，アルバムの冒頭を飾る「1980」の，UKソウルらしいシンフォニックでスケールの大きなフレーズ。思わず「待ってました!!」と手を叩いてしまったのだが・・・・。2曲，3曲と聞いていくと，最近流行りのアップリフティングなバウンス物あり，ロックっぽい激しいビートのナンバーありと，つかみどころのなさに「？」。 ところが，困惑したまま迎えた中盤。アコースティックで透明感のある「I Wanna Love You」から事態は一気に好転。レイトナイト向けのメロウでセンチメンタルな「Maybe」，アンニュイなバラード「Crazy」，ほのぼのとした雰囲気でゆったりと流れる「All Over Again」，ハッピーで浮遊感のある「Dance With Me」と好ナンバーが目白押し。中でも最大の注目は，何とジョン・レジェンドがヴォーカルを務める「Hey Girl」だろう。サム・ディーズが作曲したナンバーをサンプリングしたソウルフルなトラックとメロウで滑らかなEstelleのラップも見事で感涙もの。 UKのMOBOアワーズを獲得したというだけあって，ヴォーカルもラップも一級品のEstelle。あとは総花主義的な楽曲構成が悪い方向に出なければ言うことなし。今後が楽しみだ。"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"5.0"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"M***."},"datePublished":"Reviewed in the United States on 9 February 2013","name":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n ESTELLE!!!!!!!!!!!\n \n","reviewBody":"This is \"Raw, Hollywood hasn't changed me, I'm still fighting for my dreams and making sure I help my team to get on too\" Estelle...and I LOVE it! \"Crazy\" is my faaaaaaaaaaaavorite track on this album!!!! I told her that via Twitter and she actually replied back! Love the album, LOVE Estelle!"}],"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.181818181818182,"bestRating":5,"ratingCount":11}}
