Kathy Sledge: That's What I Call....
Boisdale Life asks leading recording artists to name the albums by British singers or bands that have inspired them and influenced their careers
By KATHY SLEDGE: SINGER, SONGWRITER, AND PRODUCER,
October 9 2024
News of the World: Queen
Well, Freddie Mercury! Once in a lifetime, we get to live in the same space with an artist like Freddie Mercury. This was Queen’s sixth studio album and was released in 1977 after the punk explosion, which had sparked a backlash against progressive rock. This album had a more spontaneous hard rock sound, with stunning anthems like ‘We Are The Champions’ and ‘We Will Rock You’.
Corinne Bailey Rae Corinne Bailey Rae
I love her presence on every song. Absolutely beautiful. ‘Just Like a Star’ is gorgeous. This is her debut album released in 2006. The album reached number one in the UK charts and has been certified triple platinum. Corinne Bailey Rae has sold over four million copies worldwide
Your Love Big Enough: Lianne La Havas
Lianne’s debut album, Your Love Big Enough, iTunes Album of the Year in 2012, is wonderful. Although, my favourite track by Lianne is not on an album. I do absolutely love her delivery on ‘Say a Little Prayer for You’ live, in my opinion one of the most beautiful songs ever written. It is spontaneously honest, pure and real. A brilliant and refreshing artist.
Settle: Sam Smith
I love Sam Smith’s voice – his tonal quality and effortless delivery – the kind of voice I’d love to do a duet with. My favourite song is ‘Latch’, which Rolling Stone ranked as number 10 in their list of 200 Greatest Dance Songs of All Time.
The Best of Eric Clapton: Eric Clapton
My favourite track is ‘Change the World’. One word: masterpiece. Featuring his hits from the 1980s and 1990s, this is a perfect album and was released in 1999 with two new songs, ‘Blue Eyes Blue’ and ‘(I) Get Lost’, which Clapton wrote for the soundtrack of the film, The Story of Us.
