Reviewed by George Luke

Three years ago, 'Unlimited' secured Nu Colours a place next to Loose Ends and Soul II Soul in British soul's Hall Of Fame. Contrary to some saints' fears, the secular market was intrigued rather than scared off by their beliefs. They had club hits, they sang on the Four Weddings And A Funeral soundtrack; indeed, there's a lot to be thankful for where Nu Colours are concerned (especially considering the alarming rate at which British soul acts get dropped by major labels). And now, Album Number Two is here. It has already yielded two hit singles in "Desire" and "Special Kind Of Lover", and there's still more good eating left on it - "I Pray", "Yes I Will" and "Do You Wanna Go Back To When" are all listener friendly enough to chart. Although nothing's been sampled (nothing that I recognise, that is), the album reminds you of several different things you've heard before, all at once; Earth Wind & Fire, Lenny Kravitz, Chic -even Extreme in "More Than Words" mode. But to their credit, it never sounds derivative. Instead, the songs grow on you very quickly indeed. With music of this quality, Nu Colours' place at the top of the UK R&B tree is more than well deserved.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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