Happy New Year! Can’t believe I haven’t posted since Christmas! Well, how about a giveaway to get 2015 started off on the right foot? As you know, I was blogging about British pop singer Ella Henderson fairly often last year and ICYMI, her debut album, Chapter One is out now here in the States (YAY)! While Ella just finished a string of promotional appearances and performances leading up to the album’s U.S. release−including THIS brilliant performance of her Ryan Tedder-produced SMASH “Ghost” on Letterman−the single is enjoying a spectacular run on Billboard‘s Hot 100 Chart, where it recently leaped 13 spots from No. 41 to 28. Turning her attention back to the UK, Ella is busy working on the video for her FOURTH UK single (which she wrapped shooting yesterday) and album highlight, “Mirror Man.” “Mirror Man” was co-written by Ella alongside Al Shux (Lana Del Rey, Jay-Z + Alicia Keys‘ ‘Empire State of Mind‘, Banks, Paloma Faith) and Laura Pergolizzi (Rihanna, Rita Ora, The Veronicas, Heidi Montag). Can’t wait to see what Ella and company come up with for the visual. I’m sure it’s going to be gorgeous.

As a collection of songs, Chapter One is a fine showing by a promising young singer/songwriter. While I tend to shy away from ballad-heavy albums like Chapter One, Ella Henderson‘s voice is utterly captivating and the list of behind-the-scenes collaborators on this project, impressive to say the least−Steve Mac, Salaam Remi, Babyface, Jamie Scott, Claude Kelly, Steve Robson, just to name a few. I can’t help but be drawn in, especially on the emotional power-house that is “Yours,” Ella’s third UK single. That’s not to say the album is ALL BALLADS. There’s a decent mix of mid-tempo in  Chapter One, including new single “Mirror Man“, “Rockets,” the decidedly up-tempo/borderline dancey “Pieces” not to mention “Glow” (Henderson’s second UK single) and of course “Ghost.” What’s more, each one of Ella’s singles released to date have been remixed-to-the-nines by dancefloor-filling remixers such as Oliver Nelson, Full Intention, Seamus Haji, Wideboys, Patrick Hagenaar, Switch and more so if you were hoping to hear Ella’s lush, textured vocal over some glistening dance beats…you’re in luck. Check out one of my FAVORITE Ella remixes, UK outfit Wideboys‘ take on “Yours.”

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To celebrate the U.S. release of Ella Henderson‘s debut album, Chapter One, I’m giving away 3 copies to 3 lucky U.S./Canadian winners. For details and to enter this contest, check and comment below**

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Check Out Ella Henderson Online:
Official Site || Facebook || Twitter || YouTube || Instagram || SoundCloud

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