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18-year old Reading girl Louise Setara (real name Smith) has appropriated the Punjabi for "Little Star" to create a stage name designed to set her apart. But despite a single that is undeniably lovely to listen to, you have to wonder whether such a title may be misplaced.
Setara's cover of this Chaka Khanhit, taken from debut album Still Waters, does exactly the right thing in not trying to be too clever. Accompanied by only a piano, the singer's exquisite voice claims centre stage, and it is not long before its powerfully soulful charm takes full effect. There are no surprises, no veerings off into unwanted vocal improvisation, just a simple song treated with respect and polished to a fine degree.
So what's wrong with it? Well, precisely the same reasons. Setara is the latest in an infinite line of stunning singers, emerging from a conveyor belt of industry pop factories. Beyond the vocal, there doesn't seem to be much else.
As a song, the resemblance to the original version is such that you could loop both tracks together and fail to tell the difference. A pleasant affair this may be, but in order to have any lasting impact, the output of Louise Setara must reflect the original talent that this voice perhaps deserves.
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