The New British Invasion: Soul Divas 2008

Leona, Amy, Joss and Estelle - sounds like a list of 90's supermodels.  But, it's not.  It is a list of British female singers who are invading the US Billboard® charts.  Although they're not quite at single name status like the übermodels of the past, Leona Lewis, Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone and Estelle are doing what British female solo artists have traditionally failed to do: attain tremendous success on the US charts.  In unprecedented form, these ladies are proving that cultural exportation between the US and Great Britain is a two-way street/ocean.

It all started a few years ago when raspy voiced sixteen-year-old Joss Stone hit the charts with her debut disc, Soul Sessions.  Stone's soulful delivery and blues-tinged lyrics were an instant hit with underground music lovers in the US.  Collaborations with Betty Wright, Angie Stone and The Roots gave her instant street cred in the US neo-soul community.  She then scored a bona fide R&B hit with the single, "Spoiled."  On her second set, Introducing Joss Stone, she upped the ante with high profile collaborations, including, Lauryn Hill, Common and Raphael Saadiq.  She also had major performances with Melissa Etheridge, John Legend and others that helped introduce her to a wider audience. Certainly, Joss Stone has become a fixture in the funk/neo-soul community and paved the way for her fellow Brit imports.

And then there's Amy...Winehouse.  In 2007, you could not get away (not that you wanted to) from the massive song, "Rehab."  Amy did what Joss couldn't, cross over a soul based hit to the mainstream charts.  Not only was "Rehab" one of the biggest songs of the year, the five-time Grammy winner's album, Back to Black, was a monster.  She also comes at a time when our society is obsessed with the "party girl."  But, Amy took partying to a new level, which only propelled her mystery and thus, her success. 

At the 2008 Grammy Awards, Amy joined the illustrious ranks of Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones and diva of all things, Beyonce, by tying the record for the most wins- five - by a female artist in one night.  Although she cemented herself as a music powerhouse in the states, she had to do it via satellite because the U.S. wouldn't grant her a visa because of her myriad of legal and personal troubles.  Amy Winehouse is undoubtedly a major talent with major potential to maintain her reign here.  The question is whether she will clean up her act long enough to record and support another album.

In the meantime, the UK has sent over the anti-Amy in the squeaky clean beauty Leona Lewis.  Just weeks ago, Leona became the first British artist - male, female or group - to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 with her set, Spirit.  The already super successful UK artist was the winner of the British version of "American Idol" called the "X-Factor."

Common denominator to both shows, Simon Cowell, touted Lewis across Europe and then, America as the next big thing in music.  With the help of American music svengali, Clive Davis, Leona Lewis made Cowell's declarations truth.  Ironically, of her contemporaries, she is the first Brit soul import of color and by far the most successful.  She's enjoyed such instant success probably because her voice and the marketing push behind the album are very reminiscent of a young Mariah Carey - who went on to shatter countless records and become the most successful female recording artist of all time.

Leona Lewis is definitely in a class by herself amongst the other female Brits.  She is poised for pop stardom, the type of stardom that only a few artists enjoy in their careers - Mariah, Madonna, Whitney and Celine.  Instead of the heavy soul infusion of her predecessors, Lewis opts for a sugar coated version of pop soul that appeals to a much wider audience.  Sure, it's watered down R&B, but it's also infectious.  The lead single, "Bleeding Love" is a perfect example.  Not only did it hit #1 on the Hot 100, but it has an unforgettable chorus and hook.  Leona Lewis has taken the Brit invasion to the next level and she's only just begun.  The entire disc is manufactured to deliver the super stardom status her mentors have promised.

Up next is the very interesting and gifted Estelle.  Musically, she is superior to the likes of Leona Lewis and Joss Stone, but she hasn't enjoyed the success in the UK that they have.  In the past, her music hasn't had a wide appeal, but it's highly revered by music's inner circles.  However, her US debut includes help from Back to Black mastermind Mark Ronson as well as heavy hitters John Legend, will.i.am and Kanye West.  It's a great disc and serious music lovers are going to embrace it.  It will be interesting to see if the mainstream catches on to the latest West London send off.

Although the invasion started off slowly and quietly it has avalanched into a major force on the US charts.  Only time will tell whether or not these ladies have the staying power of the Beatles, Elton John or Madonna (sometimes I forget she's not British), but they sure are making their presence known stateside.  The most interesting part is that they all are influenced, mimicking or connected to Soul, R&B and Blues.  Now, if we can only get Americans (and Brits) to buy R&B from American artists then, it will all be good.  In the meantime, enjoy your imported fish and chips mate; it's good music.