//Limelight Spotlight: Duffy//

An epidemic has hit the United States and not since the Spice Girls in 1996 have Americans been hit so hard. That epidemic is the new British explosion of the “New-Amy’s.” Just in case you’ve been living in a cave for the past year and a half, that Amy is Amy Winehouse, the singer with beat heavy songs and – at times- a sexually ambiguous voice. But there is no doubting the gender of the latest British invader Duffy. She is compared to Winehouse due to their similar styles in singing, but honestly, the only thing comparable is their country of origin.

Duffy’s voice is a soothing mix of Norah Jones’s sultry whispers, Christina Aguilera’s powerhouse notes, and emotional connection of Judy Garland. This 24-year-old blonde from Wales, born Aimee Anne Duffy, officially became known as Duffy socially and professionally when she turned 19. As early as age six, she began singing and carrying around a notebook, filling it with lyrics. At age 18, she almost gave up singing completely, but eventually decided to do music on her own terms. In 2003, Duffy appeared on a Wales singing show similar to American Idol, but came in second place. After being given an education on soul music by Bernard Butler, they began to co-write songs and Duffy put out a Welsch language album that reached number one. Then came “Rockferry,” which topped the charts in the U.K. before blasting on the charts in the U.S. The album has received rave reviews from critics and fans.

I first heard Duffy’s new single, “Mercy,” on XM radio’s “Twenty on Twenty,” the countdown station dedicated to the top twenty songs as voted on by listeners. I had an instinct one day to turn it on to see what was new. So, I typed in two, zero and heard a funky, sixties inspired pop song that I imagined being played behind a dancing Austin Powers and girls in go-go boots. I let the song play the whole way through and, God Bless XM Display, I found out the song and the singer. With my other favorite British chick, uh, indisposed at the moment, I was relieved to hear something new and fresh from someone similar.

My weekend routine consists of going to Barnes and Noble for hours, which I did last weekend. With my usual stack of books to buy, I sat down to flip through a book that I had no plans to pay $30 for, but I wanted to look through it. I noticed the music playing over the loud speaker. A sultry voice sang, “How can you really feel for me / Tell me / Can we ever be / Serious? / Serious, in love.” My ears perked up as I thought, “Who is this? I like it.” The song continued, as did a few others. Then I heard that familiar beat: “Doon, doon, doon-doon-doon, doon” and the singer sang “You’ve got me beggin’ you for mercy.” Realizing who it was I decided, I’m buying this album. As soon as I got home, I logged onto ITunes and bought the entire album without testing any of the songs first – a rare event. A few hours later, I got into my car and turned it on.

The number one stand out song on the album is “Syrup and Honey.” After the first opening lines, a huge smile appears on my face as I listen to Duffy belt out this beautiful, simple, song. I felt like I had stepped into a jazz club and stumbled upon a rare gem. When I hit the song “Warwick Avenue,” I knew it sounded familiar, but I could not place where I’ve heard it – perhaps on television or in a movie. I watched the video on Duffy’s official website and fell even more in love with the song. Another song that I was instantly attracted to was “Stepping Stone.” With relatable lyrics and haunting vocals, the track is deeply moving and made perfect by Duffy’s voice.

While Duffy will be considered a “New Amy” like the rest of the British imports, the two really shouldn’t be compared. Both are extremely talented artists, but Duffy’s strong vocals set her apart. She has the talent to stick around for years to come–I just hope she doesn’t pick up a drug habit.

Learn more about Duffy: www.iamduffy.com and www.myspace.com/duffymyspace

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