Bekki Williams Innersense Play:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track 'Subliminal Sensuality')

After what appears to be a difficult gestation, 'Innersense' is finally with us and it does not disappoint. Having seen Bekki at the Leicester Space Centre I had some idea of the quality of the album and in my view it is easily her best work to date. 'Innersense' is also more varied than Bekki's previous work and this greater contrast makes for a very impressive album. Yet, Bekki's signature melodicism and symphonic flourishes are still very much evident. 'A Breath Away' begins with a wonderful melancholic refrain which gradually builds in intensity and emotion. On most albums this would be the stand out cut but such is the overall quality of the set that there is even better to come.

'Secret Recesses of the Heart' is an outstanding piece, opening with an instantly memorable motif, vocal effects and orchestral climaxes but this is carefully juxtaposed with more subdued piano interludes and sequencing. The use of light and shade and subtle sense of dynamics are exceptional. 'Crystal (Dreams of Sea-Beams)' begins with yet another superbly crafted melody, gentle harp effects and piano before the orchestral treatments, but the innate and fragile beauty of the music is maintained to the end. 'Subliminal Sensuality' is yet another gem beginning with sequencers travelling between channels and a more tranquil atmosphere before a distinctly muscular rhythm kicks in and Bekki adds layers of sequencing and synth soloing. Possibly my favourite track but there is some real competition. The title cut is another highly emotive piece, which reminded me a little of Jan Hammer at his best, before Bekki's orchestral leads provide a perfect counterpoint to the sequencing. 'Under the Sky' changes the tempo with solo piano eventually joined by strings in perfect harmony.

A thunder clap heralds 'Torn' but instantly proceeds into subdued melancholia but with a strong rhythmic backbone to accompany the well crafted melodies, orchestration and piano. 'Tears are Eternal' is an intensely romantic, quasi-classical piece consisting of piano and strings providing a prelude to 'From the Ashes' which adds an air of defiance and optimism with an intensely emotional orchestral motif. The sequencing and detail make this another highlight. Finally, 'Fading' provides a gentle conclusion, the calm after the storm, piano and strings combining to create a restful and satisfying end to a memorable album.