Skye

Mind How You Go

(Cordless)

Record Review by Adam McKibbin

Many fans still identify multi-platinum electro-poppers Morcheeba by their one-time vocalist, Skye, who was with them for the career highlight Big Calm.  Skye’s easy vocal cool gave the band much of its sensuality and sophistication, but she was in some ways a hired gun, writing neither the tunes nor the words.  On her solo debut, she’s found her own voice—and, perhaps not surprisingly, it sometimes sounds like Morcheeba.

To be fair, there are a number of tracks that would have been out of place on a Morcheeba record, like the gospel hum of “Jamaica Days” (co-written by legendary producer Daniel Lanois) and the lite-jazz of “Tell Me About Your Day.”  Bass-wielding husband Steve Gordon also has some co-writing credits, including a song that was written on the couple’s honeymoon (“Calling”).

Bucking the trend set by—or perhaps forced upon—most female pop singers, Skye doesn’t make plays for attention with affected vocal dramatics or coy come-hithers.  She’s more in the Dido camp, though the earthy “Jamaica Days” and the more electronic, orchestral (Morcheeby) tracks like “No Other” make a case that Skye casts a wider net than her similarly surname-less peer.

The highlight is “Love Show,” which kicks the album off with big promise.  There’s no trickery to decipher:  it’s a great song because it’s a great melody and great vocal, particularly when Skye reaches into the chorus around the 2:30 mark.  It’s also a high mark musically, with a simple but strong beat that gives the track its atypical urgency, and background strings that stay low enough in the mix to add flavor but avoid distraction.

There are some missteps, like the sunny “Powerful,” which has a bloated chorus that overpowers Skye’s vocals with movie-trailer bombast.  “What’s Wrong With Me” almost works, but its earnest narrative isn’t quite compelling enough to carry the thin tune. 

But, in general, Skye’s fans should be satisfied—and eager to hear what comes next.  Mind How You Go is also a solid pick-up for any pop fan looking for a mellow retreat.