Vivian Green - 'A Love Story' (Columbia) Released 17/03/03

Is this potential rivalry in the r&b world? This album has been decribed as '…better than songs in A Minor' by Alicia Keys. It's even been given a whopping five stars by Blues and Soul. If Alicia Keys is the Barbie of R&B, it looks like Vivian is boldly bidding for the Cindy position. This album is more laid back jazz than anything, the sort of music that plays in the background of a plush restaurant as you sit down for a romantic dinner.

There is definitely less attack from her vocals compared to Alicia Keys, she's got the sort of vocal that blends into the music, to the point that you forget they're even there. Lyrically, she seems to be yearning for an idealistic personal set-up - '…and I wanna fly to Paris once a year/for vacation with my husband' she sings on 'Wishful Thinking'. If you're looking for tragic melancholy, the only track that offers this is 'Final Hour'. Forget the rest. On songs like 'Music' the melody is almost identical to Ms Dynamite's 'It Takes More', it's quite blatant. If Alicia Keys has done the groundwork, Vivian Green is just building on the foundations. If you put this album on, it might be a good idea to stick on the Hoover too.