Avichayil blog

Review: Shontelle falls short on sophomore CD

Shontelle, "No Gravity" (Universal Motown)

Shontelle first made noise on the charts with her 2008 single, "T-Shirt" — and she's bringing back the buzz with the same song in a Radio Killa remix with hitmaker The-Dream on her new CD, "No Gravity."

The Barbados-born singer is also bringing love ballads, a departure from her debut album.

Give her credit for her powerful vocals on "Impossible," though the songs she sings add nothing to the well-worn subject of heartbreak. The lyrics are filled with the same misguided, lonely thoughts of a distraught woman, like the bitter love ballad "Say Hello to Goodbye" and "Kiss You Up," a plea to a lover.

Shontelle's first album evoked comparisons to fellow Bajan native Rihanna. On "No Gravity," the 23-year-old proves she has yet to find her own signature style.

"No Gravity" sounds too similar to Rihanna's up-tempo dance material, especially on the techno-flavored "Perfect Nightmare" and the self-titled track.

Shontelle has talent; she just needs time to find her own identity before she can soar.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: Shontelle hits the right notes on "Impossible," the CD's only standout track.