ARTIST: SHONTELLE
SINGLE: IMPOSSIBLE (SRP/SRC/Universal Motown)
Barbadian singer Shontelle shines on “Impossible,” giving one of the year’s standout female vocal performances and recalling the poignancy and technical precision of Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable.” Shontelle already earned a top 40 entry in 2008 with “T-Shirt,” but this arresting midtempo ballad is now the bigger hit of the two.
The 24-year-old’s vulnerable delivery demands attention when she sings, “Tell them all I know now, shout it from the rooftops/Write it on the skyline/All we had is gone now,” releasing the pain of a broken heart. A gentle piano melody, acoustic guitar line, simple drumbeat and light synth production support a stunning melody co-written by Swedish producer Arnthor Birgisson (Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson) and Norwegian singer-songwriter Ina Wroldsen, who also supplies backing vocals.
So proud of Shontelle. I love this song and she KILLED it. So many Bey fans are rooting for you girl.