With an overabundance of breathy vocals and arty black-and-white, sex kittenish 1960s-styled photos to accompany the liner notes, it's clear as day that German pop-jazz singer Elisa Schmidt, professionally known as just Schmidt, is using sex appeal as a hefty weapon on her debut album, Femme Schmidt. However, it's an angle that's not needed as it's strong enough to stand on its own merits.
In collaboration with producer-songwriter-musician Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue), Schmidt has put together a collection of tunes that showcase just why she's won support slots for Elton John and Lionel Richie – not bad for a 22-year-old. Although, you imagine the album's atmosphere would be lost when played in arenas.
While the record is consistent as a whole (with one glaring exception), there are plenty of notable tracks, the first being Alain Delon. If the title (named after the iconic French actor) doesn't grab your attention, the song certainly will. Even before you look at the songwriting credits, you can spot that this is a John Barry composition. Strictly speaking, it's only the music that he's credited with, with Schmidt and Chambers putting lyrics to Barry's incredibly beautiful theme from the TV show The Persuaders. Sin City, Voodoo Eyes and Remote Control are also worthy of mention. Schmidt is really at her best on more emotional numbers such as Stay and gorgeous album closer, Defenceless.
The only low point comes in the form of Do The Dada. If you can imagine a Spice Girls take on this style of music, you'll get the gist of just what is not right. But overall, Schmidt is definitely a performer to keep an eye on in future.
