Sharleen Spiteri - Stop, I Don't Love You Anymore (Mercury)

Lisa Norman | Thursday, 25 September 2008

After twenty years fronting Texas, the angelic faced Scot follows up her debut solo single 'All the Times I Cried'. The offering packs a mean punch as it mixes a classic Motown beat with Northern Soul. With a great melody it has an old school flavour, taking listeners back to the swinging sixties.

Taken from her album Melody, this step back in time has proved to be popular with fans. It has the usual catchy, Texas feel behind it making it irresistible; but this time, it's grown up and sexy.

The chorus is strong and Spiteri remains vocally powerful, despite just turning 40. She gets better with age it seems, and this track is no exception. With slick production techniques and largely co-written, Spiteri has a potential hit on her hands.

Lyrically emotive, "You’re the only one to blame that our love has fallen through", it perhaps reflects personal life echoing her split with magazine editor Ashley Heath. It’s sad but with an uplifting feel; it shows empowerment.

This release doesn’t stray far from the Texas style and if you didn’t know she’d gone solo you would still assume this was by the band. Simple and classic without masses of overbearing hooks, good things are coming Spiteri’s way.

Rating: 4/5