Gabrielle
Rise
Album · R&B/Soul · 2001 · Universal-Island Records Ltd.
On Rise, British soul singer Gabrielle’s personal lyrics are colored by a slight vibrato and a touch of melancholy. Wrapped in orchestral strings, “Tell Me What You Dream” is pushed forward by strummed bass, while “Should I Stay” rides a churchy Rhodes organ melody. Acoustic guitar frames the introspection of “Over You,” in which she laments never getting over an ex-lover. When she celebrates winning a man’s heart over girl-group backing vocals and handclaps on “When a Woman,” it feels like a triumphant and well-deserved release.
Rise
Gabrielle
On Rise, British soul singer Gabrielle’s personal lyrics are colored by a slight vibrato and a touch of melancholy. Wrapped in orchestral strings, “Tell Me What You Dream” is pushed forward by strummed bass, while “Should I Stay” rides a churchy Rhodes organ melody. Acoustic guitar frames the introspection of “Over You,” in which she laments never getting over an ex-lover. When she celebrates winning a man’s heart over girl-group backing vocals and handclaps on “When a Woman,” it feels like a triumphant and well-deserved release.
