Alexandra Burke is looking towards the future, in spite of a dismal past.
Last year the U.K. X-Factor winner released the less than stellar Heartbreak On Hold which boasted a more Eurodance/House sound with "Elephant" and "Let It Go," solidifying it's fate in being one of the years' most under-performing albums. Despite her always stellar live performances in which she integrates Beyonce's method of managing to sing live while leaving her heart and soul on the stage through choreography, fans could not connect with the new sound, and thus her crossover appeal into the U.S. market remained questionable.
Burke began discussing her plans to ditch the Dance sound and venture into the genres of R&B/Soul. "This new album is very different," she told Digital Spy. "I'm listening to Aretha, Gladys Knight, Billie Holiday. I'm being inspired by the greats - particularly those who may have been forgotten by my generation."
It seemed as though her third studio album was given the green light, with her praising her record label for allowing her time to record the LP. " I'm really happy that RCA have let me concentrate on it and spend time writing it rather than rushing another album six months after my last one." However RCA dropped her from their roster months following the interview.
After signing a new management deal with former Def Jam president Kevin Liles, Burke made her U.S. debut live during the Chaka Khan Hall of Fame Tribute concert in New York City, back in June. Performing alongside established acts such as Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Patti LaBelle, Deborah Cox and Jennifer Holliday--her introduction could not have been any more perfect.
Now Burke is ready to take America and the world by storm with #NewRules. The six-track effort emphasizes the 25 year-old's strong vocals which were down played by her previous Electro/Dance sound. She exudes confidence not only in her voice, but the subject matter of songs such as "Day Dreams,""Fix You," and "Bounty Hunter."
She may have abandoned dome of her fans, but with this more mature sound--she is guaranteed to gain new ones. Continue reading to listen to the EP in its' entirety
