Laura Izibor - Shine

Dublin-born singer-songwriter Laura Izibor has already achieved a great deal before even releasing her debut album, May's 'Let The Truth Be Told'. At just 21 years of age, she has opened for established acts like the late James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Estelle and John Legend, as well as gaining a nomination at Ireland's Meteor Music Awards while she was still unsigned.

With all the 60s pop to have infiltrated the charts in 2008, this isn't a quick cash-in on behalf of the young singer, who has actually been working on her first album for 2 years. There is no finer example of her songwriting abilities than upfront single 'Shine' - an upbeat jazzy number, that tinkers with pianos, honey-coated vocals, a lively chorus, trumpets and a strong 60s soul vibe, without sounding as forced as some of her peers.

If one thing can be determined from her debut, it's clear Laura has put all her efforts into developing 'Let The Truth Be Told' (which she not only wrote, but co-produced) into a future classic and finally we get to hear what the promising star-in-the-making has to offer. Phrases like 'Irish Alicia Keys that have been linked to the singer are more than justified.