My favourite track though, is ‘Call Me’, a horn infused piece of R&B where Kimbra utilises her lower register. The album’s opening track and lead single, ‘Settle Down’, is a daring choice, a multi-tracked, a capella chorus of Kimbras that showcases Kimbra’s vocal and studio skills. She recorded her debut album between 20, drawing on a range of influences – there’s a Nina Simone cover, R&B, pop, and vocal experimentation all touched on. Kimbra Album ReviewsĪfter going through the usual New Zealand steps to success – placing in the Smokefree Rockquest, singing the national anthem at a rugby test match – Kimbra was taken on as project at the age of 17, moving to Australia. But all three of her albums have some great moments, and she’s an accomplished vocalist, able to deliver smooth pop or more characterful, rough vocals. Given Kimbra’s range of interests, it’s perhaps not surprising that she hasn’t made a fully satisfying album yet. But she’s well connected, touring with Janelle Monáe and collaborating with Carly Rae Jepsen. I probably wouldn’t be aware of Kimbra if it wasn’t for her New Zealand origins – she was born in the same city, Hamilton (also colloquially known as Hamiltron, city of the future), as my wife. The adult Kimbra is something of a conundrum, veering between R&B infused pop and more experimental fare. Kimbra’s big break came just before the release of her debut album when she guested on Gotye’s Peter Gabriel style hit ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’, covered in paint and providing duet vocals.

But after a generic debut single ‘Deep For You’, she took time out and became more interesting. Kimbra Johnson was earmarked for stardom early – there are videos online of her singing as a preteen, while she placed second in New Zealand’s national secondary school rock quest at the age of 14.

Kimbra album covers