:: Jessica Mauboy - Been Waiting

Jessica Mauboy

Singer-songwriter Jessica Mauboy, who was an Australian Idol runner-up, has released her new album “Been Waiting”. The first single from Been Waiting is Running Back, which features American hip hop artist Flo Rida. Attracting Flo Rida’s attention was a major coup for the 19-year-old Darwin-born singer. ‘Running Back’ is not only a hot track, but it’s prompted many to take notice of this fresh new face. It is a very good start to the album and probably the best we've heard from Jessica so far. It has a professional sound, a catchy beat and shows that her vocal abilities are capable of so much. Lyrically the song is impressive. In fact, Jessica had a hand in writing it as well as five of the other ten songs on the CD. The rest of the album doesn’t feature any tracks that outdo Running Back, but many of them are close to on a par, obviously potential for a few more singles. All the songs are originals besides a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time. There are ballads as well as upbeat pop/R&B numbers. Been Waiting is the first real evidence that the girl can not only sing, but might also be able to hold her own, especially after her unsuccessful blink-and-you-missed-it stint with the Young Divas. I think the timing was right for her to leave that group and start her own career. She is on the path to creating her own name and away from the stigma attached to other failed Idol reputations. Jessica gives heartbreak a sweet melody. Although she’s courted R&B on this album, her roots are in country music. She was a 14-year-old schoolgirl when she won the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition in 2004. Other notable tracks are “Because” and “Empty”. Both songs are melodic and beautiful, plus they give Mauboy the chance to showcase her vocal range. The song ‘To The Floor’ is also a good one and likely to be a hit on the club scene. The album features Mauboy’s latest single ‘Burn,’ which is currently doing the rounds on radio. With her star on the rise, there is no doubt that we will be hearing a lot more from her. This is a fine album that will gain her many fans.