Danielle Spencer - Wish I'd Been Here (Absolute)

Rebecca Ryder | Wednesday, 04 November 2009

Danielle Spencer - Wish I'd Been Here (Absolute)

39-year-old Danielle has already carved out a name for herself in her native Oz and not only for marrying Russell Crowe and being the daughter of Australian television presenter Don Spencer. She has appeared in Home And Away and various other TV series and films, but is now carving out a fine career in music and demonstrating all the characteristics of the UK's next folk-pop sensation

With the backing of ex-Bowie producer Tony Visconti, Danielle is back from some time out enjoying motherhood. She has clearly used the time well and gathered enough inspiration to make second album, Calling All Magicians, a stunning collection of melodic, introspective works. The first single from the album, 'Wish I'd Been Here', is reminiscent of Regina Spektor or Feist, whilst Spencer's voice has been compared to other such greats as Kate Bush and Tori Amos. It's not hard to see why, and her soft alto carries the wistful ballad perfectly.

Danielle adds optimism and lustre with her accompanying piano arrangement, which flawlessly complements her sweet vocals. The overall feeling is that the track would not be totally out of place on the soundtrack of a smash-hit American rom-com; probably one where Reese Witherspoon bumps into her childhood sweetheart after a tough divorce and wonders if he could really be The One.

Rating: 4/5