Roll over Joss Stone - Penarth's Jem Griffiths has already conquered America on the quiet. Now she's coming here...
ATO: 11 October 2004
Last updated: 20 November 2008
Comparisons with Dido have already been bandied about rather indiscriminately, but Penarth's Jem is a rather more alluring proposition. For a start, she's well versed in the hip hop and breaks scene, and was a DJ at South Wales' acclaimed Hustler nights.
Tracklisting
- They
- Come On Closer
- Finally Woken
- Save Me
- 24
- Missing You
- Wish I
- Just A Ride
- Falling For You
- Stay Now
- Flying High
Already her songs have caused a quiet storm in America, with appearances in The OC and Desperate Housewives - in 2004 she was the biggest British female debut artist in the States.
Kicking off with the dark paranoia of debut single They, Finally Woken is a genre-hopping music box full of audible riches.
Although Ms Griffiths' dolorous vocal style may not be to everyone's taste, the strength of songs such as the dub-fuelled Save Me, the Caribbean-esque Wish I and the daisy age title track never fails to shine through.
A promising beginning pointing the way to bigger things.
Words: Joe Goodden
