Snapshots [Import]

At last a UK release for the recently released Snapshots by Kim Wilde (such a shame its not a CD in the UK aswell as MP3)

I was a bit sceptical when i heard that Kim was to release a covers album but... there are some fantastic songs on here, To France being my favourite (incidentally is the new single and being released in Germany only! SO ANNOYING)

Kooks, a David Bowie cover, also features Kims husband Hal - he sounds very Bowie in places I must admit

Overall buy this release! Its very very good. While you are at it, you can now download Kim's 2010 album Come Out and Play- its outstanding

Kim Wilde delivers an album of her favourite songs throughout her lifetime to celebrate her turning 50.

She gives very faithful interpretations of the original songs however the best ones are those that sound "Kim-iffied" - "To France", "Remember Me" and "Wonderful Life".

Kim Wilde has a very unique, some may say slightly nasal but undoubtedly emotional voice and this shows on some of the more personal songs on this album such as "Anyone Who Had A Heart" and "Sleeping Satellite".

Overall, this is a really good album - the only song i am not keen on so much is "It's Alright" which isn't so bad considering the album has 14 tracks on it.

Definately one to download!

Surely releasing a 100% covers album is a bad sign for any artist - does it mean that songwriters don't want you to record their songs anymore so, instead, you re-record everyone else's old tracks...despite saying that, I think this is pretty good collection of tunes.

Of course there is a lack of originality (don't expect an album of covers reminiscent of 'You Keep Me Hangin' On', where Kim made the song her own) as you'll be disappointed. She sticks pretty much too the original scores (she could've been a Sugerbabe on 'About You Now' as her version is so close to the original, and her version of 'Wonderful Life' adds nothing to the song or the classic Black version).

However, her revision of the early 90's East 17 number 'It's Alright' is quite funky (and an unexpected choice of song too) and she was brave to tackle 'Anyone Who Had a Heart', which is a belting ballad more suited to stronger voices than hers (and everyone knows that Dusty Springfield recorded the definitive version in the late 60's anyway) but she gives it her best and there is a great Drifters-esque rift mid-way through, which is a lovely nod to the songs sixties roots.

On the negative side she butchers 'A Little Respect' (I'm quite sure that Erasure fans will be less than pleased with her spin on this classic tune) and sounds flat & expressionless on several of the tracks (gone, it would seem, are the wonderful inflections and note changes heard on past glories such as 'Four Letter Word' and the like) but I think this is possibly down to some weak song choices that don't really suit her voice. As example, the albums stand out track 'To France' is terrific; her cover is fresh and clean, with great vocal over a perfect 80's synth sound. Top marks for what should have been the lead single, as it really does hark to her 80's heyday in terms of song styling and sound.

Overall, a good effort - just a shame that this'll only ever be a fan purchase import, and never released/ promoted commercially in the UK. Oh well...maybe a cover of X-Factor winner 'classics' could help put her back in to the UK chart limelight?! (it's a thought...!).