Real Girl

I'll be honest, im not one for anything mainstream, but after listening to this album nearly 20 times over, its hard to put down. Mutya Buena has an absolutely iron grip on her voice and her vocal talent shines on her more than anything else that she did with the sugababes.

Musically, this album is somewhat a compilation of genre's. You have a bit of soul, a bit of dance, a bit of rnb, and a bit of pop, but thats exactly what keeps this album sounding fresh every single time you return to it.Tracks like "Strung Out" or "Wonderful" have a smooth ballad feel to them, where as tracks such as "Song 4 Mutya" or "Suffer For Love" have a jumpy, energetic feel. The melodies and styles on this album work together as one.

The best track on this album is by far, "Paperbag" and i think its a shame because it doesnt seem like it will be released as a single.

"I dont know how it can fit

Coz its all we were

Its all we ever had

(memories) Sitting on a shelf in a paperbag"

Lyrically, the album is very diverse. Dont be fooled by her strong image, there are some very touching, sentimental lyrics in this album, about breakups, lack of love, her personal failures, death's of friends. but at the same time, positive, uplifting lyrics about determination and a strong will to get through difficult times.

Finally, the driving force of this album is Mutya's beautiful voice. It quivers like a child, it soars powerfully, and is firm when it wants to be. Buy this album to experience one of the most powerful vocalists of today.

JUST A LITTLE BIT - Memphis influenced groove number with a great hook. It was featured on Channel 4 new music season advert featuring Mutya with Natasha Bedingfield and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, possibly suggesting it being the third single. It really highlights her strong vocals and oozes confidence.

REAL GIRL - Brilliant catchy first single. It really embodies the message of the album: a confident step into maturity and independence.

SONG FOR MUTYA (OUT OF CONTROL) - Electronica styled second single, evidently influenced by her collaboration with Groove Armada. The rapping style delivery is really interesting and works well with the track. Really catchy.

STRUNG OUT - Obligatory ballad. It has a catchy chorus but the verses are boring: not her best.

IT'S NOT EASY - A much more Sugababes influenced number. `It's not easy being right all the time' she coos seductively. The sultry vocals work well over an electronic backing track. Chill out music with a great chorus.

SUFFER FOR LOVE - Soul influenced number reminiscent of Alicia Keys' work. A chilled out summer tune with a brilliant chorus.

NOT YOUR BABY - A more up-tempo number using a brass backing. Not as catchy as previous tracks but full of energy. It has the feisty nature that she was always famous for in the Sugababes in the scathing chorus.

WONDERFUL - Beautiful song. So peaceful, with really great lyrics rich with natural imagery. Really heartfelt and uses her new soul sound fantastically with her great voice.

B BOY BABY - Evident sampling of `Be My Baby' with backing vocals from Amy Winehouse. This would have fit perfectly on Winehouse's `Back to Black' album with its striding sixties sound and brass backing. I would have liked this to have been a duet but the opportunity was wasted.

THIS IS NOT (REAL LOVE) - Her duet with George Michael. I'm not a fan of this track as I find it bland with no clear chorus or hook. It has a Latin feel to it and both their voices do sound great, but it's far too long almost spanning six minutes.

PAPERBAG - This refers to a break up and giving back their belongings in a paper bag, it's about moving on and starting anew, which really reflects the message of the LP. It's beautifully sung with a great hook and melody. This is definitely a stand out track because the powerful delivery of the catchy up-tempo chorus.

MY SONG - I haven't warmed to this because of the repetitive chorus and over dramatic nature discussing the world falling on you. `It might not be much', you're right Mutya: it's not.

Good tracks out of 12 = 10

Let's get one thing straight, I am usually a house music girl. I look down on music that's too commercial as not worth a listen based on the fact that they seem to be filling the coffers of the faceless executives and are not based on anything more profound than that. This, however, is a brilliant album based on Mutya's fabulous voice and she is incredible. It's got such an addictive punch to it and I love it. It's pure pop excellence and makes me want to dance around my room with a big smile on my face (I am a big fan of Song for Mutya for this) and Real Girl is going to turn into a real "I need a bit empowerment, please" anthem. This album has got depth, soul and a big thumbs up from me. Buy it!