{blackbabes} Review: Shontelle falls short on sophomore CD

In this CD cover image released by Universal ...

Shontelle, "No Gravity" (Universal Motown)

Shontelle first made noise on the charts with her 2008 single, "T-Shirt" — and she's bringing back the buzz with the same song in a Radio Killa remix with hitmaker The-Dream on her new CD, "No Gravity."

The Barbados-born singer is also bringing love ballads, a departure from her debut album.

Give her credit for her powerful vocals on "Impossible," though the songs she sings add nothing to the well-worn subject of heartbreak. The lyrics are filled with the same misguided, lonely thoughts of a distraught woman, like the bitter love ballad "Say Hello to Goodbye" and "Kiss You Up," a plea to a lover.

Shontelle's first album evoked comparisons to fellow Bajan native Rihanna. On "No Gravity," the 23-year-old proves she has yet to find her own signature style.

"No Gravity" sounds too similar to Rihanna's up-tempo dance material, especially on the techno-flavored "Perfect Nightmare" and the self-titled track.

Shontelle has talent; she just needs time to find her own identity before she can soar.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: Shontelle hits the right notes on "Impossible," the CD's only standout track.