Martine McCutcheon rose to fame as Tiffany Mitchell on EastEnders. After leaving the soap she released her debut album You, Me & Us in 1999 which peaked at number 2 in the UK charts, was certified Platinum and spawned the number 1 single Perfect Moment. In 2000 McCutcheon followed that success with her second album Wishing, which saw a move towards a more uptempo disco sound. Not one to stick with one sound, McCutcheon embraced her love of musical theatre for her third album Musicality, which was released in 2002.
Musicality saw McCutcheon’s music career stall and she entered into a lengthy battle with ill health, which saw her withdraw from the spotlight. 15 years since she last released music, McCutcheon is back with a new album Lost and Found, which she largely co-wrote with her husband Jack McManus, who produced the record as well as providing backing vocals and playing various instruments.
The album’s opening track, which is also its lead single, Say I’m Not Alone quickly reminds you why McCutcheon had the success she did with her music career. She has a powerful and distinctive voice, and can convey a lot of emotion in the way she delivers her lyrics. Say I’m Not Alone takes you back to the You, Me & Us album but gives McCutcheon a rockier more modern edge. It’s a sound that works for her and Say I’m Not Alone is a bloody cracking pop song!
Lost and Found features 10 tracks, one of which is a beautiful piano version of The Police’s Every Breath You Take, and it is truly a triumphant return to music for McCutcheon. Maybe I Should Run sees McCutcheon battling with herself as she tries to decide whether or not to end a relationship, the punchy Any Sign of Life is an early highlight with a strong vocal from McCutcheon, and What You Do To Me captures the overwhelming rush of falling in love.
Stay With Me, sequenced in the middle of the track listing, is a duet of sorts with McManus and is a gorgeous plea to a loved one. It’s given that extra emotional punch that McCutcheon is trading verses with her husband. The highlight is the emotive Cried a Little that tells the tale of someone struggling to get over a relationship once it’s broken down. McCutcheon’s vocal explores every nuance of the song and it’s fantastic.
Lost and Found is the return to music that we’ve waited 15 years for McCutcheon to deliver. She’s a gifted singer and songwriter, and clearly her chemistry with McManus extends far beyond their marriage. This collection of songs is personal, emotional and relatable, and with McCutcheon’s powerful voice they are taken to a level few other singers could reach. Welcome back Martine, please don’t leave us hanging for another 15 years!
[brid video=”149132″ player=”531″ title=”Martine McCutcheon Say I’ Not Alone (Official Video)”]
Track Listing: 1. Say I’m Not Alone 2. Maybe I Should Run 3. Paradise 4. Any Sign of Life 5. Stay With Me 6. What You Do For Me 7. Cried a Little 8. Archive 9. Every Breath You Take 10. Rebellion Record Label: BMG Release Date: 11th August 2017
