100% (Beverley Knight album)

Background and production

After the release of Music City Soul in 2007, Knight's record contract with Parlophone had come to its natural end. Knight decided she was at the stage in her career where she needed to take full creative control and no longer wished to be tied down by the constraints of her record company. In an interview with Ronnie Herel on BBC 1Xtra on 26 May 2009, Knight revealed that the album will be titled 100% and explains that throughout her entire career, she feels she has given 100% of her effort whether it be recording albums, performing live or through her philanthropic work. Knight goes on to say that the title is also a dedication to her partner, that for the first time she has given 100% to a relationship. This is further illustrated by the title track "100%" which is dedicated to partner James. "The title track is about my total commitment to my boyfriend, something I haven’t always done if I’m truthful. 100% has also become the mantra for my commitment to my career – I always give 100% of myself to music!" The album has a guest appearance from Chaka Khan on the track "Soul Survivor" which was co-written by Knight and Guy Chambers. Originally written for Tina Turner as a testament to her longevity, upon recording it Beverley loved it so much that she decided to keep it and recorded it with Chaka Khan. Knight says "We both see ourselves as soul survivors, we have rode through the ups and downs of our musical careers, and we are both still here and loving it". Other notable collaborators on the album include Jimmy Hogarth, Guy Chambers, Amanda Ghost, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, The Rural, DJ Munro and DC Joseph, and Kevin Bacon and Jonathan Quarmby.

Critical reception

The album has received a mixture of positive and slightly less favourable reviews from music critics. BBC music critic David Quantick gave the album a positive review commenting that "The title track, which is a full on Anita Baker croon tune, is predicated not on a lot of timbales sprinkling about over some nice chords, but an ambient ripple running under it like Brian Eno leaving his bath taps running" as well as Mayer Nassim from Digital Spy "The deep soul of the title track is the best thing here, evoking the likes of Bobby Womack with its classic dynamics that perfectly match Knight's impressive vocals. 'Bare' is another highlight, a stripped down Whitney-esque torch ballad that frames what is still one of the best voices in British music." A mixed review came from Andy Welch of The Telegraph "At once vintage-Atlantic-soul-sounding yet defiantly British, her nickname as the UK's Queen of Soul couldn’t be more apt. Despite this, she's never really had the material her vocal talent should have. On this, her sixth studio album, nothing has changed." However, Serena Kutchinsky of The London Paper gave it 2 stars while commenting "Yes, Knight has a syrupy smooth voice which is used to full effect on tracks such as Beautiful Night, but the dearth of catchy pop hooks and too much schmaltzy gospel render of it little more than pseudo-soulful tripe".

Track listing

The track listing for 100% was confirmed by music retailer HMV.

Bonus tracks

100% – The Remixes

A remix album, titled 100% – The Remixes was released exclusively on digital download via Beatport on 29 January 2012. It features remixes of three of the 100% album singles, "Beautiful Night", "In Your Shoes" and "Soul Survivor".

Track listing