“Rockferry”
by Duffy, $13.98

I decided this week to feed into the hype surrounding Duffy (short for Aimee Duffy), the new hot thing out of Wales. There’s been a lot of buzz about the Welsh singer who touts a soul sound akin to that of Dionne Warwick or Gladys Knight. I was wary. I hear a name like “Duffy” and worry I’m headed for something more Britney Spears-ish.

But a listen through Duffy’s new LP, “Rockferry,” refuted my preconceptions. She may not stand at a level among the greats (yet), but the talent affording her reputation is substantive.

Musically, much of the record sounds like it could have been made by the Temptations. Duffy throws tinges of ’90s alt-rock and ’50s doo-wop (I’m even tempted to include “adult contemporary” in this list) into the mix to establish a sound that transcends the mundanity of the generic pop and R&B riding the airwaves these days.

“Distant Dreamer” is a track that would be right at home in the ’60s, with its dramatic strings and vintage prom anthem rhythm (I can almost taste the taffeta! Mmm … starchy). Duffy gets mellow on “Syrup & Honey,” accompanied by the plucky sway of an electric guitar. “Hanging on Too Long” sounds like a modern day “Ain’t No Sunshine,” that old Bill Withers tune about a lost love that won’t return. The beat picks up on “Mercy,” where Duffy seems to be following the trail of next-gen soul sister Joss Stone.

Though most of the songs on this record are notable — and the album is altogether quite cohesive — the most downloadable track is “Stepping Stone.” It’s one of those songs that feels so familiar, it takes no time at all to sink into. Some songs require some amount of adaptability and consideration, but “Stepping Stone” is like a hug from mom or like lounging around in a favorite sweater. Though, the mood of the track — congruent with much of the CD — communicates ambivalent feelings about love. To anyone whose disposition is influenced by music, or who chooses music directly based on existing emotions, consider this before listening.

Every Web site I’ve visited on the Internet offers “Rockferry” with a list of 10 songs. The copy I purchased (downloaded from iTunes for $9.99) has a dozen tracks. The final two are worth the digital download. “Save It for Your Prayers” and “Oh Boy” sound like unrefined demo versions, and were offered separately on the “Mercy” and “Rockferry” singles respectively. Her voice is at times smoky and husky, and other times smooth like honey — and it sounds good either way in the rawer form offered by these tracks.