Hoping to build on the momentum gained by her Mercury Music Prize-nominated breakthrough album, Who I Am, Beverley Knight's fourth effort abandons her soul credentials and goes straight for the commercial pop jugular. Working with an array of collaborators including Coldplay's Chris Martin and Robbie Williams' ex-songwriting partner Guy Chambers, Affirmation clearly has one eye on dominating the airwaves as much as her biggest hit, "Shoulda Woulda Coulda," did two years previously. Indeed, lead single "Come as You Are" should have no problems finding its way onto radio playlists, its swirling keyboards, psychedelic guitars, and almighty chorus creating a Lenny Kravitz-meets-Pink pop/rock stomper. The inclusion of a cover, "Keep This Fire Burning," originally a hit for Robyn in her native Sweden, also signifies Knight's intentions -- its exuberant catchy pop is a million miles away from her urban roots but much more likely to score her a number one hit. Best of all is the Chris Martin-penned "The First Time," which shows that his dalliance with R&B on Jamelia's "See It in a Boy's Eyes" was no fluke. A gorgeous, gospel-inspired ballad, it's far removed from the epic stadium rock his day job is usually associated with. Lyrically, Knight is as daring as ever. "No One Ever Loves in Vain" is a subtle piano-driven confessional about the loss of a friend, while the melancholic "Salvador" addresses AIDS, showing that Knight's commercial sensibilities haven't hampered her ability to tackle big issues. Inevitably, with the attempt to cover several bases, Affirmation may alienate fans of her more soulful first two records. The over-produced likes of "Tea and Sympathy" and "Till I See Ya" dilute Knight's impassioned vocals, while "Supasonic" is perhaps one Prince homage too far. But overall, there are enough gems on here to suggest that Affirmation may achieve the commercial success it so obviously craves. ~ Jon O'Brien, All Music Guide
'Affirmation' is the title of the fourth album from Beverley Knight, released in 2004 by Parlophone records.
The album was released on 28 June2004, to much critical acclaim and is her most personal album to date. The album features three hit singles, "Come As You Are", "Not Too Late for Love" and "Keep This Fire Burning", which all entered the UK Singles Chart top 40.
Affirmation peaked at just outside the UK album chart top ten by one space at number 11. It also peaked at 83 in the Swiss Album Chart.
Affirmation was certified Silver by the BPI on Friday 2 July2004, less than a week after the album was released [1]. By December 2004, the album had received a Gold certification [2].
