Mercy, Duffy Rules UK Charts
Debut Single Mercy Reigns for 5th Week While Album Holds on for 2
Mar 21, 2008
Welsh born retro-pop singer Duffy burst on the music scene to debut at the top of the UK chart with her single “Mercy”. Five weeks later she clutches tight to the top of the chart despite stiff competition from the UK’s biggest new export, Leona Lewis.
Meet Duffy, the UK’s Next Greatest Export
Unknown only months ago, Duffy has amassed critical as well as popular acclaim in a very short time. Some publications have even dubbed her the new Amy Winehouse, drawing from the similarities in their music. While musical parallels can be drawn, the squeaky clean girl from Wales still has far to go to claim the type of worldwide acceptance that Winehouse has enjoyed in the past year.
In the US, “Mercy” was issued as a free single of the week on iTunes and her second single (her first UK release) “Rockferry” is now available for download. No news as to when the album will be released in the US.
The fluffy-haired blond retro soul singer may sound similar to Warehouse, both singers heavily nod 60's girl bands, but where Winehouse sings with the grit of a streetwise rebel, Duffy sounds more like the nostalgic, yet sheltered little sister.
Duffy Grows up on Motown
Growing up in the small town of Nefyn in Gwynedd, Wales, Duffy had very little exposure to current popular music. Her influences therefore tend to wane towards those of her mother’s generation. Duffy grew up on a musical diet of 60’s girl groups, Motown and Stax recordings from the 50’s and 60’s. Her penchant towards that sound reflects more her upbringing than following a musical trend lead by Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse.
That’s not to say that she’s not benefiting from a ride on the “Rehab” star’s booze-soaked coattails. Since the colossal success of Back to Black, record companies and radio outlets have been quick to embrace any female singer with half a voice and a 60’s sound (hear: Adele or Kate Nash).
The Future of Duffy
Duffy was discovered singing in a small club by musical agent Jeannette Lee, and later, partnering with former Suede guitarist, Bernard Butler, the pair co-wrote several songs together including “Rockferry”. But it was the release of second track “Mercy” that made the dent at radio and the charts
Though she has clocked some serious time atop the UK charts, Duffy still has to prove herself beyond the UK. If second single “Rockferry” is any indication of the rest of her album, she should have no problem building a worldwide fan base.
According to the Official UK Charts Website, Rockferry has become the fastest-selling album in the UK so far this year.
Both “Mercy” and “Rockferry” are available as digital downloads on iTunes now. Duffy’s full length album, Rockferry, is expected Stateside later in 2008.
