Honesty

Some criticisms have been levelled at the album already, namely that it's too down-tempo, too angsty and that the vocals aren't strong enough. As far as the tempo goes, there's plenty of upbeat songs, such as Honesty, Truth or Dare and the secret track - Tail and All (which is a real gem). Similarly, not all the songs are sad. However, I would have liked to see a few more tracks where Alex really pushed her voice to the limit, like she does in the opening track Lie. Having said that, if you look at the album as a whole, the tracks work really well together and it feels like a complete chapter - so perhaps the next album will mark a change of pace and style?

The only real criticsm that I'd levy at the album would be in terms of it's production. Although Alex's singing sounds stripped down and bare, some of the music seems to swallow it up or work against it, particularly towards the middle of the album. I would have liked to have heard a more acoustic feel to the album (to match the style of her singing) - or at least more 'real' instruments!

Aside from that, I think it's a great album, and definitely one that improves with a few listens. Whether you put it on in the background to chill out or turn it up loud and feel every word, it's definitely one to have in your music collection. And an album that shows just how far Alex has progressed as a songwriter (the lyrics throughout are excellent) and how she has succcessfully distanced herself from the TV talent show label.

so here she is back with her second album, far after the interest has moved on and off other winners. This album has had mixed reviews everywhere, those that have given it a chance seem to discover the truth that this is a very accomplished, heartfelt and beautiful album that belies alex's age. Refusing to tread the poppy path to stardom the 12 songs here are largely slow mournful songs. Standout tracks From the Inside and Sweeter and Sweeter are sinply gorgeous. Brave, personal and moving without being trite or saccharine. Now though all the songs have really grown on me. Lie is just a great song, Looking for water the first single is just perfectly crafted. And so on with most of the songs.

To be fair the title track Honesty was my least fave song on the album but suprisingly its catchy chorus and lightness, it is suprisingly upbeat for alex, actually wrok very well, though if polydor were wise they'd release from the inside in time for xmas not this and actually promote alex as its when people hear her live that they will be won over by her voice and songs and that has the potential to do a mad world and suprisingly top the charts as it it really is the song of the album.

All in all an album that does require a few listens for its impact to to be truly made, but once there i think many wil find it a truly great album. A genuine british talent, a distinctive voice with songs that could be likened at times to dido, fiona apple, annie lennox whilst being unmistakably alex.

Lets hope polydor give alex the chance to develop what is obviously a developing talent and learn to promote her.

It's in the folk/pop genre, with an acoustic ambient feel. Overall it's subtle, beautiful and evocative. A lot of the time it's very dreamy, sometimes it's passionate, exciting and almost raw, while the hidden track is camp and sophisticated.

Alex's beautiful voice always has an extraordinary power to move, and here we hear her range - emotional and vocal - has grown enormously since her debut album. The instrumentals are lovely, interesting and flowing. Several songs have guitar tracks that sound almost like running water. The album works its seductive way under your skin. In amongst the folk dreaminess, there are surprising passages of incredibly catchy pop. Meanwhile, the lyrics are astonishingly personal. How many women have written songs about their feelings for a woman lover?

Honesty is a brave, honest and unpretentious piece of work, written and sung from the heart, and feels like a piece of Alex's soul. If you have an open heart and eclectic musical tastes, then buy this album.

Best tracks: Lie, Out of Touch, So Emotional, Lost Without a Name, Adore, Sweeter and Sweeter, Truth or Dare, Moment, Tail and All (hidden track).

Masterpiece of the album: Truth or Dare.