Photo courtesy of Universal Music Group

These artists have already made their mark in the U.K. and are now ready to take on the U.S.

by JACQUELINE MCCLURE

Amy Winehouse
Back To Black
Released March 13, 2007
Enfield, North London, England
****

Her soulful and jazzy vocals have been compared to Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin, Lauryn Hill, and Macy Gray, but her rowdy behavior is what puts Amy Winehouse in the British press and tabloids. Recently named as one of “Rolling Stone’s 10 Artists to Watch,” Winehouse’s vintage sound channels the girl groups of the Sixties with a touch of the reality that plagues her life: men, love lost, drugs, and alcohol, in no particular order. The record’s first single, “Rehab,” is about when her management company suggested that she enter into rehab for alcohol abuse. Instead she dumped the company and her album emerged at No. 7 during its first week on the Billboard 200.

For more information on tour dates visit: www.amywinehouse.co.uk

Conclusion: A fitting last name for the self-professed boozehound. Addicted to Amy.
Download: “Rehab,” “You Know I’m No Good,” and “Back to Black”

Photo courtesy of Interscope Records

The Fratellis
Costello Music
Released March 13, 2007
Glasgow, Scotland
***

If you watch television, chances are you’ve already heard The Fratellis without even knowing it–and could be singing their song too. Here’s a clue: It never hurts to have your song behind the most popular computer company in the world. Their single “Flathead” is featured in the most recent Apple iPod television commercial. Also in January 2007, Safeway supermarkets used a portion of another one of their singles, “Chelsea Dagger,” for an animated advertisement campaign. While the origin of the indie-punk rock band’s name was alleged to have come from the 1985 movie, The Goonies, it’s actually the maiden name of bassist Barry Wallace’s mother. The band might be new to the United States, but The Fratellis have already won the “Best British Breakthrough Act” at the 2007 Brit Awards.

For more information on tour dates visit: www.thefratellis.com

Conclusion: The Ramones of Scotland.
Download: “Henrietta,” “Chelsea Dagger,” and “Flathead”

Reuters photo by Kieran Doherty
James Morrison accepts the award for the Best British Male artist at the Brit Awards at the Earls Court Arena in London.

James Morrison
Undiscovered
Released March 13, 2007
Rugby, England
****

Up-and-coming British singer/songwriter James Morrison’s debut album, Undiscovered, shot straight to number one in the UK and has already sold more than a million copies, but he is ready to conquer that country across the pond. Morrison’s success wasrecognized in the UK last month when he won the 2007 Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist. With his debut single, “You Give Me Something,” Morrison’s voice instantly hits you with a gruff, yet gentle sound reminiscent of Stevie Wonder. It’s no surprise he’s a British sensation.

For more information on tour dates visit: www.jamesmorrison-us.com

Conclusion: Undiscovered in America, but not for long.
Download: “You Give Me Something,” “Under The Influence,” and “Wonderful World”

SONG OF THE WEEK:
Mika- “Grace Kelly”
Life In Cartoon Motion
Album released March 27, 2007
London, England

For more information on tour dates visit: www.mikasounds.com