Drama (Jamelia album)

Updated on Nov 01, 2023

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Released 26 June 2000 Length 60:34 Artist Jamelia Label Parlophone		Recorded 1999–2000 Drama (2000) Thank You (2003) Release date 26 June 2000

Genres Contemporary R&B, Soul music, Rhythm and blues Similar Walk with Me, Jamelia – The Collection, Thank You, Superstar – The Hits

Drama is the debut studio album by British R&B recording artist Jamelia released by Parlophone Records in the United Kingdom in June 2000.

Background

The album features four singles including "I Do", "Money" (Jamelia's first top 5 hit), "Call Me" and "Boy Next Door", which just missed out on a UK top 40 place. "Thinking 'Bout You" was originally to be released after "I Do" as the album's second single, however it was replaced with "Money". The version of "Thinking 'Bout You" on this album is in fact a remixed version of the song with the original version scrapped, it originally contained a sample of "Thinking Of You" by Sister Sledge with slightly different lyrics, it can be found on promotional copies of the single, a video was also filmed but never released.

The album peaked at #39 on the UK Albums Chart, being certified as Gold, selling more than 100,000 copies.

Reception

Hot on the heels of two massive R&B hits, the UK equivalent to Monica introduces her debut album "Drama". Following the fresh yet gimicky sound of hit single "Money" I expected an album based on similar selling points. Instead I was pleasantly surprised by the mature sound throughout along with the quality and interesting production and vocals.

Standout tracks include "Money", "I Do" and "Call Me" as well as the melodic innocence of "Boy Next Door" and contrasting cheekiness of "Room 101". On the face of it, "Drama" doesn't bring anything new to the world of R&B and doesn't quite have the same impact as "Money". However, having written all but one of the 13 tracks (the exception being a cover of BeeGees' classic "Guilty"), Jamelia is one of the UK's big R&B's hopes and destined to shine brighter. A good debut!