Rockferry (2008)

Image credit: Max Dodson

SHE'S GOT SOUL Duffy follows the Amy Winehouse template — at least professionally — as a U.K. import with an amazing pop-R&B voice

She may lack Amy Winehouse's saltiness and snarl, but the Welsh singer Duffy's sweeter vocals still crackle with soul. ''Mercy'' — a U.K. hit ready-made for U.S. radio — is a go-go number that's as sassy as a Mary Quant miniskirt. And when Duffy slows the tempo for ''Rockferry'' and ''Hanging On Too Long,'' her voice stretches to spectacular heights. The minor-chord-heavy tracks on Rockferry — each a kiss-off to a defective relationship — begin sedately and swell to a startling climax. Once the Dusty Springfield-flecked closer, ''Distant Dreamer,'' comes round, you'll be wishin' and hopin' for more. A-
DOWNLOAD THIS: Hear a preview of ''Rockferry'' at Duffy's MySpace page