Rehab's "no,no,no" replaced by "yeh, yeh, yeh". Am I the only reader who remembers another pop act doing quite well with "yeh, yeh, yeh"?

Bill Peter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Why are British record companies so infatuated with performers so intent on digging up the past? For every Duffy, Adele & Amy Winehouse there are a thousand Motown artistes.

It's 2008. In a year when groundbreaking releases such as Elle Milano's debut album are hitting the airwaves, it amazes me that the marketing machine has picked up on puppets like Duffy.

Don't buy it - then 'Mercy' will disappear from the airwaves as fast as it appeared in the first place.

Paul Lockett, CREWE, UK

I Believe your adding to the hype by giving her 3stars...being controvertial!!! I believe Duffys Album (listen to it the whole way through) is astonishingly spine tinglingly beautiful....the naivety to her voice adds to such simple lyrics as "now your gone and im scared"...people forget to mention Duffys actually more blues - syrup & Honey. WELL DONE DUFFY...most legendary artists had some negative reviews in theri career x x x

Michael .J. Jones, london, UK

Ahem ! How can anyone mention hype regarding Duffy, when hype and Amy Winehouse are mentioned in the same sentence!? A bit of 'pot', 'black', 'kettle' springs to mind there I think !! Besides, I don't need to take note of any 'hype' - I let my ears decide. Duffy has a maturity in her singing style, in this genre, way beyond her years and in time her voice will get even better - and the arrangements by Bernard Butler & co. are just great ! This girl has a fabulous voice - and this is a fabulous album. Good on you, girl !

Rocky, Yorks.,

I'm not sure you can reasonably suggest that initial hype equates to a lack of real, God given talent. I think the trouble with the new artists that get the industry bods in a frenzy at the perceived possibilities of their future careers is that what they are guided into putting out ends up sounding overproduced and much more bland than it otherwise may do. Maybe there's something in not wanting to end up limiting their appeal by making the sound of their records too niche, and so you end up with something like Rockferry.

But that certainly doesn't reflect on how good Duffy could and should be. If you want an example of pure, raw, beautiful vocal talent (though she may not be to your taste, sure enough) that isn't yet moulded into a sellable record, have a gander at this (the song starts at about 1:20): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fawOrelje7k

Good, no?

David, York,

I saw her on the first night of her tour, at the Thekla in Bristol, and She's as good as they say. Her voice is Petula Clark & Dusty together, the songs are simple and catchy. She was unsure of herself on stage between songs, so I think she will only get better.
It's no hype.

Moses, Bristol,

I'm absolutely sick of being bombarded with adverts about this woman, whoever she is.

It now just registers in the same way as all the viagra and penile extension spam I get sent.

If she were truly any good why does she need this constant marketing hype?

I expect in a year's time no one will remember Duffy, except the marketing execs whose failing careers hinged on her.

john graham, Edinburgh,

Yes, where is the originality in re-making a 60s record. Especially since Amy already did it better. Don't believe the hype!

David Royce, London, UK

Duffys absolutely amazing! Her voice is sensational and her individuality has been long needed! Lets not judge the background because at the end of the day who cares? She makes great music, performs great, has a great public persona, what more do you people want? Are you sayng you can do better? I think not.

Gorgina, N London,

disagree
sorry winehouse but your outclassed

andj, london,