Duffy

This Welsh wonder recalls the Supremes and the Swingin' London blue-eyed soul style of Petula Clark and Dusty Springfield, yet Duffy does it in a way that appeals to those raised on Alicia Keys and Joss Stone. The U.K. smash "Mercy" may bring up thoughts of Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" and Carmel's 1980s retro hit "Sally," but on tracks such as "Warwick Avenue," "Delayed Devotion" and "Stepping Stone," Duffy reveals different sides of her talent. Graying britpop fans will be interested to learn that Bernard Butler, Suede's guitarist and a major soul aficionado, cowrote half the songs here.