Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The music world continues to launch new singers seemingly every week though I would suggest that there have been few debut albums displaying a better voice than 'White Walls' by Meleana. If you've read our article you will know that this Hawaiian native has clocked up a vast amount of musical experience but unlike her cousin, Nicole Scherzinger, former lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, and her sister, Christina Brown, long-time star of High School Musical, Meleana has chosen to walk the tough road of Christian ministry. As well as being one of the worship singers at New Hope Oahu, she has now delivered this impressive set. If you can imagine a voice with the soaring heights and sultry depths of a Kathy Troccoli with a shiny pop production which sometimes resembles something Nicole Britt might come up with, you'll get some idea of 'White Walls'' sound. Several of her songs are pretty good too. A standout is "Dear Mirror" which tackles the subject of young girls struggling with self image ("Judge by the size of my jeans/Black's the only colour skinny on me/Diets, the gym are my new scene/Still I am feeling so incomplete/Eating and I am feeling guilty/Got enough makeup to paint the red sea"). Another gem is the Hawaiian-flavoured "Hideaway" which features, of all things, some delicious ukulele. And throughout Meleana's voice is mesmerizing. A very impressive debut album.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.