American Boy: Radio Edit

Four years ago she was hailed as the most promising new voice in UK hip-hop, but after a disappointing debut album no one thought she could go much farther. About to prove everyone wrong, Estelle has crossed the pond, befriended soul star John Legend, who signed her to his Homeschool label and help bringing an impressive buch of high profile names (Swizz Beat, Will.I.Am, Wyclef and uberproducer du jour mark Ronson) in to shape her sophomore effort. For starters, Kanye West throws some rhymes and star power in "American Boy", the chosen first single, a pleasant R&B tune whose lyrics sound like a campaign to promote transatlantic relationships. If "Shine" is a good as it promises to be, success is guaranteed; if not, the Lady Sovereign route to International flop will follow.  shazam