Duffy: 'Stepping Stone'

Released on Monday, Sep 1 2008

Published Friday, Aug 22 2008, 09:47 BST | By Alex Fletcher | 9 comments

Six months on from the release of her debut album, Rockferry, and Duffy now seems to be a cosy fixture in the pop landscape. Winehouse and Doherty may continue to grab the headlines, but the cute Welsh warbler has outsold all competitors this year, bagged a Mojo Award and won over crowds at Glastonbury and V. She may not be the most fascinating of popstars, but she's definitely effective.

'Stepping Stone' - single number four from the album - is her weakest to date and plays into the hands of critics who brand her music "coffee table soul". While it has the same moody, Bacharach-esque production as 'Warwick Avenue', it lacks the heart-melting chorus which made the former a triumph. Duffy's honey-soaked Welsh rasp is as gorgeous as ever, but as this track meanders past the three minute mark you'll probably need a quick nudge to keep you awake.

> Click here for our review of Duffy's album

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9 Comments

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Colin - liverpool, on February 19th, 2009
I disagree completely with the reviewer. I think it's one of Duffy's stronger songs. It's brooding and melancholic and instantly tugs at the heartstrings. The orchestration is lush, blends perfectly with her voice and there is a real poignancy to the track The worst thing that Duffy is guilty of is being 'nice' and in a world were everything has to have an edge to it, that's unacceptable to some - pity them. She's a breath of fresh air as far as I'm concerned.

Aaron, High Wycombe, on September 5th, 2008
Poor review of this single...It was a song I instantly loved after hearing it on the album. The opening sounds very simialr to 'Walk on By' and I agree with Jelly in that it's a perfect piece of soul music.

Vicki, Derby, on September 2nd, 2008
I love Duffy's husky 60's vibe and this song just shows it off beautifully! I love the sentiment (sp?) behind the song too, its very 'idependent' and 'two fingers up' to the guy shes singing about! - And i think this reviews slightly unfair! Nudge to stay awake! as if! lol

JJ, on August 29th, 2008
Dire song for her to release. Much better on the album IMO.

Alice, Stafford, on August 26th, 2008
OMG love this song- it's miles better than Mercy and slightly better than Warwick Avenue. It's the 3rd most played song on my ipod!

John, Birmingham, on August 24th, 2008
Sex Pistols recorded a song called Stepping Stone.

Jo, UK, on August 23rd, 2008
3 singles and still going strong, although I think it deserves 3 stars. She has a really nice voice and I love the soul style.

Kate, Dublin, on August 22nd, 2008
For me too, this is the track that made me buy the album - I think it's gorgeous!

Jelly, Suffol, on August 22nd, 2008
I went out a brought the album after hearing just this song. It's a perfect piece of soul music. I certainly don't need a nudge by the end to wake up!