Testing the waters

(Acclaim Music) RUN a comb through her blond locks, bring out her eyes with a dash of eye shadow, then set her against a plain white wall in her bedroom. Now give her a mic and put a webcam before her – and British singer Beth is a star.

There’s little information about the 19-yearold Internet sensation – heck, there’s not even a mention anywhere of her last name – save that she posted a cover of Adele’s Someone Like You on the video-sharing site one day and caught the attention of millions of listeners, including pop star Britney Spears.

Unfortunately, the charisma and lustre viewers saw in her YouTube performances do not come across on Acoustic Session (which, by the way, is an Asian edition of her British release, The Covers Collection). Obviously, without a beautiful face to stare at, all eyes, or rather, ears, are on her voice. But Beth’s voice is unusually squeaky and nasal compared with her web performances – perhaps someone went a little too crazy with the auto tune button. The only good thing about this is that her squeaky vocals allow her to deliver the two Rihanna numbers, Stay and Unfaithful, effectively.

What’s more, nearly all her renditions turn out sombre and lifeless, especially so on Swedish House Mafia’s Don’t You Worry Child and Maroon 5’s Payphone. Yes, these are acoustic covers so all accompanying music is kept to the bare minimum but that’s no reason to sound dull and inspired.

For now, Beth should return to her bedroom, turn on the webcam and stick to performing covers on YouTube.