R&B in the United Kingdom has had a tough time matching up to the glamorous successes the genre has had in the United States. Estelle would tell you the same, as she found this out the hard way.

Her first album, The 18th Day, proved to be a stand-out performance from the late-blooming R&B songstress. That was in late 2004, however, and months after it released she found herself with no record deal back home.

Luckily, she had a friend in John Legend.

After signing on to the Legend’s Home School Records last year, Estelle wasted no time in creating her second project. With Shine, the artist brings charismatic, joyful energy to a genre that has seemingly lost the desire to be exciting.

Estelle’s direction on Shine intertwines a mix of lavish soul, hip-hop and bass-driving synth groove. This becomes apparent with tracks like “American Boy” and “In the Rain.” However, it is the 1950s doo-wop influenced “Pretty Please (Love Me)” that proves her range of style. Featuring vocals from Cee-Lo (of Gnarls Barkley), Estelle follows her heart to find her true love.

Shine also provides a softer vibe. “Back In Love” and “More Than Friends” carry this presence, but it is “Come Over” that sets the sensual mood best. Over a reggae-influenced beat produced by Supa Dups, Estelle cries out passionately for her lover. The bridge brings a climatic transition as Estelle begs, “Turn down lights, I’ll give you all of my love tonight / Let’s do what lovers do, oh I’m ready for you.”

It was only fitting for Estelle’s most impressive track on Shine to be the upbeat, melodic duet with John Legend, called “You Are.” Following a call-and-response manner, both describe their promise of love and affection for each other. Almost immediately, Estelle tenderly sings, “If there’s anything I can do, let me know I’ll be a fool / But don’t take advantage cause I won’t hate to have to leave you.”

Surprisingly, Wyclef Jean’s two contributing beats to Estelle’s project take a sour turn on an otherwise smooth production line. Likewise, Estelle and Swizz Beatz can’t seem to find equal footing on the title song “Shine,” a rambunctious and flashy track.

Though her first album brought good ratings, her exposure to the limelight was overshadowed by the difficulty in receiving a wide audience. It’s good to see an artist with Estelle’s talent find a home on John Legend’s record imprint.

She may still need some fine-tuning before she is ready for the full U.K.-United States crossover, but for now it seems as though Shine will catch enough eyes and ears.