The Boy Next Door

Released in 2003, The Boy Next Door represents a pivotal moment in Stacey Kent's career, marking her transition into a more internationally recognized figure in the vocal jazz revival. The album's concept is unique: a collection of songs popularized by male singers she admires, ranging from Frank Sinatra to Paul Simon and James Taylor. This gender-flipping of the repertoire allows Kent to bring a fresh, feminine perspective to tracks like 'The Best Is Yet to Come' and 'You've Got a Friend.' Recorded with her long-time collaborators, including husband and saxophonist Jim Tomlinson, the album eschews the lush orchestral backing common in pop-jazz crossovers for a tighter, more acoustic jazz combo sound. Critics, particularly from AllMusic and BBC Music, praised the album for its 'gentle conviction' and 'breezy listening' quality. It stands as a testament to Kent's ability to bridge the gap between traditional jazz purism and contemporary easy-listening without sacrificing musical integrity.