Largely remembered as a TV talent show also-ran (he finished third on the first series of the BBC’s short-lived Fame Academy), Lemar’s 13-year career has produced three undeniable flashes of brilliance; the disco-tinged Dance (With U), the Stargate-produced 50/50 and the vintage soul of If There’s Any Justice. It’s the latter’s Magic FM breeziness that informs one of The Letter’s three original songs, Love Turned Hate, which is proof alone that he’s not quite finished. Elsewhere he offers up classy renditions of soul classics by the Supremes, Al Green and Sam Cooke, as well as a smokey, slow-burn reading of Lesley Duncan’s Love Song. However, the more upbeat, familiar material – Gimme Some Lovin’, a jaunty Tainted Love – falls flat, Lemar’s frayed, old-soul voice much better suited to mid-paced longing.
