Emeli Sandé is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from rural Scotland who has so far made her name by writing (and usually appearing on) tracks with the likes of Chipmunk (2009 top 10 single Diamond Rings), Wiley, Tinchy Stryder, Professor Green and Tinie Tempah. It's not just British rappers who have sought her services either, she's also written for Susan Boyle, Cheryl Cole and the Saturdays. Still, no one likes to be stuck on the sidelines for long and with her debut solo single, Heaven, Sandé has shuffled closer to the spotlight in her own right. With 90s drum'n'bass beats and rich horn blasts, Heaven sounds both retro and contemporary, fitting snugly alongside recent singles by Yasmin and Katy B. Anchoring the whole thing is Sandé's voice, which seems to be on the edge of delirious, rich with emotion but cracking in all the right places.
• Heaven is out via Virgin on 14 August
