Jamelia

While North America basks in the light shining from Britney, Christina and newcomer Mandy Moore, Jamelia proves that once again, the Brits are way ahead. With industry folk admitting that garage is the way forward, this debut from the seventeen-year old could put her in the Craig David league. With the single 'Money' already appearing on best-of-Ibiza-2000 compilations, it appears that Jamelia is starting to happen. 'Thinking About You' is a pleasantly funky workout that's reminisent of Armand Van Helden's 'You Don't Know Me', but the majority of the tracks on offer here are a little more laid back, think Destiny's Child divided by three.

The real difference between Jamelia and her US lillywhite contemporaries is the quality of her vocal; quite how a seventeen-year-old girl can sing with this kind of conviction and range is astonishing, and the production and arrangements are first class, check out the harpsichord loop on 'Call Me'.

Although UK Garage has been championed by the likes of Kiss FM's Norman Jay for years, it seems the phenomena is about to become seriously overground, and this could well be this gal's chance to go global. I can't wait for the re-mixes.