Claire Martin - Perfect Alibi - The Times

You only have to look at singer Claire Martin's album covers to see how many image changers she's been through. She's worked hard, tried all kinds of material but still the degree of success, she deserves has eluded her. Hopefully her new album Perfect Alibi will redress the balance and bring her the popularity a voice of her quality should command. Typically, of the 12 songs there are one or two don't quite fit the mix, but maybe should be commended for following her instincts. Her interpretation of the Stylistics hit People Make The World Go Round is a masterclass in timing and tone and Donny Hathaway's More Than You'll Ever Know brims with tenderness - not to mention an expert arrangement and an unshowy, subtle guitar solo. Martin should have more confidence in herself. She has made a record to be proud of.