Finally, after the atrocious Start Without You, Burke has released her first major ballad since Hallelujah - a song which finally shows off her voice. She's certainly got a powerful set of lungs and on The Silence she's finally allowed to let loose, both vocally and emotionally.
For me, it's a song of two halves. Following on from Rihanna and Eminem's Love The Way You Lie, we have yet another song seemingly about domestic abuse - it seems weirdly fashionable at the moment... The lyrics are simple but effective, the synth backing is thoroughly contemporary and the chorus brings a strong beat and a soaring vocal hook. But then two thirds through it all becomes formulaic. Obvious use of silence (see what you did there) and Phil Colins-esque drum break? Check. Needless modulation? Check. Glorifying backing choir? Check. It's a shame as Burke doesn't need such ostentatious production, the voice is enough.
Still, it's a good pop song and a strong contender for Christmas number one.
3/5
