Released on ACL Music

Leddra Chapman (or Anna to her friends....) has had a good year thus far.Chapman, who studies at the London College of Music, has not only released her first single ' Story' and first album, she has also been picked asthe new ambassador for Quiksilver clothing and received warm praise for her brand of folksy pop. SO with 2010 just round the corner,the question is, Will she be riding high with new album Telling Tales?

On first listen I am certain that I must be listening to Taylor Swift and noones told me. Chapman has the same overly sweet yet oddly powerful voice and also has managed to perfect the art of writing sentiment heavy songs that sound like little personalised love letters to her friends and family. Opening track 'Story', in particular  name checks several people whom she cites as her best friends in her album sleeve.

So far so saccharine. There are a few things however, that make this album far more impressive than you expect it to be. A skilled vocalist, Chapman throws in a few suprises as the album goes on with witty lyrics such as 'You spit your words like Bullets, I guess you're firing at me..' Stunning instrumental moments (like the twinkling piano on 'Edie') that are at times coupled with a tenor to her voice that suggest a singer beyond her years.Leddra Chapman's brand of sweet folksy pop might be  highly remeiniscent of Lena Marlin or Avril Lavigne but at odd moments on songs such as 'A Little Easier' and 'Fooling Myself' you can hear how, given time and the right direction, she could evolve into the new Tori Amos.

Stand out tracks on the album have to be 'A Little Easier' for its wry wit delivered in such a sweetly innocent voice that creates a wonderful mystique bewteen  her lyrical maturity and youthful sounding vocals and, secondly, 'Wine Glass'. Not only because you are BOUND to hear this song in films, TV shows etc  but it is beautifully produced and very catchy for a ballad.

Overall, a pleasant suprise. For the most part, well written, well played and excellently produced by Peter John Vetesse, this is an artist who looks set to continue to scale great heights in 2010. 

Posted In Album Reviews, Dec 20 2009. Words - Lara