Popstars
album Track by Track
Hear'say's
first single is the fastest selling debut since records began - but
what is their long-awaited album like? Here is a review which was
in The Sun newspaper written before the release of the album.
If you would like to have your review here, either of the whole album
or just a song or two then e-mail
it to me. Thanks.
It
was released on March 26th 2001 and here is a track-by-track review
of Popstars, named after the TV show that spawned the group.
Overall
Verdict: Don't expect to be blown away by Popstars - but it won't
let you down either. This is exactly what it sets out to be - unashamed
pop at its best.
Album score: 8 out of 10
Pure
& Simple
You
must have heard this one unless you live in a cave! The surprisingly
catchy pop song is Never Ever meets All Around The World.
9 out of 10
<<TOP>>
The
Way To Your Love
A
catchy power ballad reminiscent of Celine Dion's That's The Way It
Is. Kym is on good form with this one.
7 out of 10
<<TOP>>
One
Step Closer
Quite
a funky number with some catchy keyboard loops. Danny gives a good
performance on vocals. You can tell the band have gelled - they sound
like they've been together for years. Co-written by Kym and Danny.
8 out of 10
<<TOP>>
Another
Lover
A
gospel-style track with a summery acoustic guitar sound. Kym on main
vocals - again - in a song about love and heart-break. Shimmering
harmonies and first-class production in this one. It shows that this
lot can really sing - the rigorous selection process definitely paid
off.
8 out of 10
<<TOP>>
One
An
R&B effort with a fat thumoing beat. It wouldn't be out of place
on a Mel B album. It's raunchy and catchy with a bit of an Eighties
Prince feel. The sexy chorus goes: "All I need is somebody, someone
who can come and dance on my body". The boys and girls really
sing at each other on this, one of the album's steamiest tracks.
6 out of 10
<<TOP>>
Not
That Kind
The
intro to this track reminded me of Janet Jackson's song Best Things
In Life Are Free. Kym and Danny, who are emerging as the strongest
pair in the band, duet here.
7 out of 10
<<TOP>>
Make
It Happen
This
high-energy Eighties-style effort with its throbbing bass and wah-wah
guitar sounds like an Ibiza anthem. It was co-written by Myleene,
Suzanne and Noel, who share the vocals, and should go down a storm
on the Costa del Sol.
8 out of 10
<<TOP>>
Breathe
Stock,
Aitken and Waterman would be proud of this one. It chugs along but
doesn't really do much. The vocals sound processed and it is a bit
of a plodder. One of the weaker traks.
5 out of 10
<<TOP>>
Carried
Away
Get
your lighters out for this ballad - possibly the most impressive track
on the album. Great vocal range from Kym, who definitely has the strongest
voice in the band. This could be their Angels and has No1 written
all over it.
10 out of 10
<<TOP>>
Sweet
Alibi
This
is very All Saints and is another strong track. The boys take a back
seat while the girls groove through it. One of my favourites.
9 out of 10
<<TOP>>
I
Didn't Want You Anyway
This
brings the album down a bit after two great songs. Slightly bland
but still appealing. A quirky slice of pop that show-cases Suzanne's
sweet vocals.
6 out of 10
<<TOP>>
Colourblind
Catchy
Abba-esque number about how skin colour doesn't matter when you're
in love. Bob Dylan may not have anything to worry about but it'll
have the kids bouncing around the living room.
8 out of 10
<<TOP>>
Love
Will Never End
An
uplifting anthem that sounds destined to be a single. I can imagine
them closing their live set with this one. It is slightly cheesy in
parts but still a damn good pop song.
9 out of 10
<<TOP>>
Monday
Monday
A
reasonable cover of the The Mamas And Papas hit.
8 out of 10
<<TOP>>
Bridge
Over Troubled Water
The
Simon And garfunkel classic. Good show by Kym in the second verse,
confirming that she is the group's star.
9 out of 10
<<TOP>>
