Once upon a time, it was almost too easy to denounce Gabrielle as an anodyne chanteuse who simply got lucky with her radio-friendly hit ‘Dreams’ 11 years ago. You could be forgiven for dismissing her simple, slow-burning love songs and sultry vocals as little more than mere pop. That would have been simplistic.
Two Brits awards, two MOBOS and an American Music award later, Gabrielle has quietly trounced her detractors, and sold 2.6 million copies of her last album, Rise, to boot.
There is something reassuringly consistent about Gabrielle… she is at once unassuming and emotive. Her presence within the pop precinct has always been subtle, understated and somehow comforting. And if her music suggests a certain lack of hunger for scaling the heights, amid the usual histrionics of her MOR counterparts, that’s actually quite a good thing.
Play To Win seems devoid of surprises on first listen, yet, little by little, it becomes clear that the album is sealed with warmth. The simple, stripped-down style is essential to Gabrielle’s appeal. ‘Stay The Same’ may be unobtrusive, almost retiring, but it’s a song that won’t let go of your subconscious; ‘No Big Deal’ is a wonderfully cosy, bleary-eyed lullaby, and ‘Sometimes’ is unexpectedly ambrosial, a country-tinged, kitten-soft ballad.
Gabrielle’s music isn’t designed to grab you by the lapels, instead it chooses to snuggle down beside you. In today’s volatile pop climate, such familiarity and consistency are powerful tools of choice, and Gabrielle is blessed with both…in spades.