Charlotte Church – Back To Scratch

Church has gone back to scratch, but it sounds like she is still holding back on the majority of her new album.

Back To Scratch is her first album since platinum-selling Tissues And Issues in 2005. Since then, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter has had two kids, got rid of rugby boyfriend Gavin Henson and remained a tabloid fascination.

She has a lot to sing about but it’s delivered without her usual passion and vocal grit. The title track (and first single) is enjoyable enough but lacks spunk and fails to pull the listener in.

Many of the songs are folk or country-infused like the bluegrass Don’t Think About It, a fun track on which Church sounds like she has actually found her voice. Back To Scratch, pitched somewhere between Church’s pop and classical influences, is an easy listen but don’t expect too many rousing anthems or passionate ballads.

3/5

 

– Heather Vandenengel