Rumer: 'Aretha'

Much like a book, a song should never be judged by its cover - unless of course that cover happens to reference a musical legend. After the surprise success of her debut offering 'Slow' earlier this year, Anglo-Pakistani singer-songwriter Rumer returns with this ode to the undisputed Queen Of Soul - and as we suspected, it's a song that more than lives up to its ambitious title.

Over a slinky piano riff and gentle blues melody she tells the story of a misunderstood girl who seeks solace in blasting Aretha Franklin through her headphones. Lines like "Mamma's fighting something in her mind / And it sounds like breaking glass" may seem unnervingly honest, but with Rumer's smouldering tones drizzling them out like warm honey on Sunday's pancakes, it makes for a soulful gem that sounds as laid-back as it does timeless. Right, we're off to play this followed by 'I Say A Little Prayer' for, ooh, the next hour or so at least.