- Audio CD (25 May 2007)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Import
- Label: Polydor
- ASIN: B000PC1PQQ
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 624,336 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product Description
Review
Great pop albums are few and far between, but after a three year break there were great hopes from the new album from the poshest girl in pop - Sophie Ellis Bextor.
With her indie days well and truly behind her, the much maligned Sophie has always been totally happy to embrace her new twinkly world. What album could you name that ends with a grotesquely camp, yet sassy, homage to 50s sci-fi courtesy of the B52s? In fact it's difficult to expect anything but glistening disco-pop from an album with a title such as Trip The Light Fantastic almost screaming out AMAZING in sparkly, flashing pink letters.
While 'Catch You' gave us a grittier Sophie, and the sprightly 'Me & My Imagination' recalled days of "Read My Lips" Sophie, disco is the overriding sound here. Reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys, the staccato 'New York City Lights' and the hip shaking 'If I Can't Dance' transport us to a world where the glitter ball never stops spinning. But if you thought they weren't pushing pop to outrageous limits enough, 'China Heart' is literally one of the most ridiculous songs we have ever heard. Pulsating with synths Giorgio Moroder would be proud of, it reminds you of 'I Feel Love' coupled with a dark, futuristic overtone.
And while you may expect tracks from pop royalty such as Xenomania and Hannah Robinson to stand out, it's actually the two very different songs contributed by Dan Gillespie-Sells of The Feeling that soar high above the rest. Accomplished at writing the perfect feel-good hit for his own band, Dan's lite-reggae 'Only One' and the uplifting 'Love Is Here' leave us with the feeling that Sophie's 'China Heart' might be warming, and that despite the fact that we've no doubt they were written together over a Royal Doulton pot of tea, Sophie was actually having fun while singing them. The radio friendly 'Love Is Here' even has a trademark Feeling guitar solo and has summer hit written all over it.
Whether there is room for such a manicured, glossy pop star in the musical landscape of 2007 is a different matter. Sophie's certainly made the pop record she wants to, and if it all sounds a tad 2002 then so be it. Good luck to her. --Talia Kraines
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
If you've heard one Sophie Ellis-Bextor album, you've heard them all. Mostly- true. Each album has a slightly different feel. "Read My Lips" was disco. "Shoot From the Hip" was more, hmmm experimental? atmospheric? With "Trip the Light Fantastic" she's treading steadily in the middle of the road with solid pop shoes on. More listenable than "Hip" and with more emotional diversity than "Lips", "Trip" delivers exactly the same Sophie vocals. Beautiful, distinct, and sultry - yes, but sadly prone to monotony if the song doesn't provide some strong musical moments.
Some have said that "Supersonic" is the 'worst' song on the album. I like it for providing a different feeling from the rest of the album. The song has energy. Most of the album is made up of synth beats that complement but blend with Sophie's already hypnotic, if not meditative, vocals. "Catch You", "Love is Here", "Only One", "China Heart", and "Today, the Sun's on Us" provide guitars, stanzas, choruses, bridges, and emotional changes in the vocals. They stand out, to me, as stronger songs than the likes of "If I Can't Dance", and "The Distance Between Us" which start with a generic synth sound and after 3 or 4 odd minutes of innocuous vocals you find yourself with no idea of what just passed.
I am a fan and am pleased as punch to have this album. However, I think that Sophie should break out of her shell a little more and take a few more risks with her vocal stylings. Not because I dislike "Lips", "Hip", and "Trip", but we have that sound already. Overall, It's beautiful, a good listen. There is certainly more positive than negative. "New Flame" has grown on me quickly. I could drop a couple of songs but, hey, I liked the ones others didn't, so- Something for everyone I suppose.
"Love is Here" is worth buying the album- This really ought to be a single. "What Have We Started" is gorgeous. It has violins, cymbals, a sort of 'later Abba' rock-pop melody and the best Vocals on the album.
Some have said that "Supersonic" is the 'worst' song on the album. I like it for providing a different feeling from the rest of the album. The song has energy. Most of the album is made up of synth beats that complement but blend with Sophie's already hypnotic, if not meditative, vocals. "Catch You", "Love is Here", "Only One", "China Heart", and "Today, the Sun's on Us" provide guitars, stanzas, choruses, bridges, and emotional changes in the vocals. They stand out, to me, as stronger songs than the likes of "If I Can't Dance", and "The Distance Between Us" which start with a generic synth sound and after 3 or 4 odd minutes of innocuous vocals you find yourself with no idea of what just passed.
I am a fan and am pleased as punch to have this album. However, I think that Sophie should break out of her shell a little more and take a few more risks with her vocal stylings. Not because I dislike "Lips", "Hip", and "Trip", but we have that sound already. Overall, It's beautiful, a good listen. There is certainly more positive than negative. "New Flame" has grown on me quickly. I could drop a couple of songs but, hey, I liked the ones others didn't, so- Something for everyone I suppose.
"Love is Here" is worth buying the album- This really ought to be a single. "What Have We Started" is gorgeous. It has violins, cymbals, a sort of 'later Abba' rock-pop melody and the best Vocals on the album.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I must admit, I wasn't a big fan of the lovely Sophie Ellis-Bextor's first album, although of course I liked 'Groovejet' - and I grew to like the rest in time. However, I must be rare among her admirers in that it was actually her second album, 'Shoot From The Hip', which got me interested. Now she's back with a super collection of infectious pop ditties which will appeal to anyone who likes the Eighties-influenced electro-pop of groups like The Sugababes and Girls Aloud, and she's proving there's more to her than just being a disco dolly.
The fabulous 'Catch You' opens proceedings, followed by not-quite-as-good current single 'Me and My Imagination', but there are plenty of other strong tracks here. 'Today the Sun's On Us', 'If You Go' and 'Can't Have It All' show a more moody, thoughtful side to Miss Ellis-Bextor, while 'Love Is Here' sounds like a long-lost Elton John pop classic from the Seventies and 'What Have We Started' has a definite Sixties sound. Back on the dancefloor, 'New York City Lights' and 'If I Can't Dance' are pure electro heaven and 'China Heart' is thumping Hi-NRG eurodisco, while 'New Flame' introduces a touch of ska and 'The Only One' a hint of latino rhythms. Despite all these different flavours and influences, the album hangs together remarkably well; every song has a memorably hummable hook and Sophie's icily posh vocals add a touch of class throughout. Perhaps the best track of all is saved for last (and bafflingly labelled 'Bonus Track'; surely this must be a future single?!!!): the pumping dance confection 'Supersonic', a giddy four-minute whirl in which dear Soph comes over all Barbarella and which features the unmistakable guest vocals of B-52 Fred Schneider.
Overall, an excellent collection of songs which has barely been off my IPod since release. Easily the best pop album of the year so far - in fact, it's possibly the best pure pop release since Madonna's 'Confessions', and in my opinion it's better than anything Kylie Minogue has put out since her deConstruction days. The only minor criticism I have is that the b-sides of the last two singles have been left off. Both 'Down With Love' (from 'Catch You') and 'Move to the Music' (from 'Me and My Imagination') are at least as good as anything here, and I strongly encourage fans to check them out, if they haven't already. Bravo Sophie - a job well done.
The fabulous 'Catch You' opens proceedings, followed by not-quite-as-good current single 'Me and My Imagination', but there are plenty of other strong tracks here. 'Today the Sun's On Us', 'If You Go' and 'Can't Have It All' show a more moody, thoughtful side to Miss Ellis-Bextor, while 'Love Is Here' sounds like a long-lost Elton John pop classic from the Seventies and 'What Have We Started' has a definite Sixties sound. Back on the dancefloor, 'New York City Lights' and 'If I Can't Dance' are pure electro heaven and 'China Heart' is thumping Hi-NRG eurodisco, while 'New Flame' introduces a touch of ska and 'The Only One' a hint of latino rhythms. Despite all these different flavours and influences, the album hangs together remarkably well; every song has a memorably hummable hook and Sophie's icily posh vocals add a touch of class throughout. Perhaps the best track of all is saved for last (and bafflingly labelled 'Bonus Track'; surely this must be a future single?!!!): the pumping dance confection 'Supersonic', a giddy four-minute whirl in which dear Soph comes over all Barbarella and which features the unmistakable guest vocals of B-52 Fred Schneider.
Overall, an excellent collection of songs which has barely been off my IPod since release. Easily the best pop album of the year so far - in fact, it's possibly the best pure pop release since Madonna's 'Confessions', and in my opinion it's better than anything Kylie Minogue has put out since her deConstruction days. The only minor criticism I have is that the b-sides of the last two singles have been left off. Both 'Down With Love' (from 'Catch You') and 'Move to the Music' (from 'Me and My Imagination') are at least as good as anything here, and I strongly encourage fans to check them out, if they haven't already. Bravo Sophie - a job well done.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
If there is one thing about Sophie Ellis-Bextor's single 'Me and My Imagination' missed out on, it was the cross promotion that could've taken place with Nintendo's "Super Paper Mario" game. The florescent lighting effects used in the promo video conjures images reminiscent of the 'pixl' characters that populate the game.
Missed promotion aside, "Trip the Light Fantastic" sees Ellis-Bextor's return to pop stardom after a 3 year absense from music. And what a relief it is to listen to a record that has consistency instead of a standard singles and filler pop record (a problem that nortoriously plagued her "Read My Lips" album).
At its best, the record's bass thumps all the way through like Kylie Minogue's "Fever." Single "Me and My Imagination" should have been a huge hit; a kindred spirtit to Minogue's "Love At First Sight." "Today The Sun's On Us" grows after a few spins and "The Distance Between Us" vaguely resembles Berlin's 1985 hit, "Take My Breath Away" (which isn't a bad thing at all).
At its worst, however, the records lyrics go from intelligent to shockingly stupid, just like Kylie Minogue's "Fever". Ellis-Bextor's lyrical output has always been wildly inconsistent. Though it does tends to be a little better than her previous outings, it is definitely not something to be ignored easily. "Only One" commits the worst offense with an opening line "I don't know why you cry, you must have a windswept eye," following a bizarre reading from whatever rhyming dictionary she owns. Possible single "If You Go" needs its second verse lyrics completely redone, removing the banal readings of cliched sayings and despite its sunny disposition, Ellis-Bextor should be ashamed of rhyming dizzy with giddy on "Love Is Here."
If Ellis-Bextor does anything perfect she eloquently writes about unrequited love with a sense of desperation that almost seems cool. Hit single "Catch You" sears of creepy passion with a backing track that rocks hard and fast, but the more subdue songs though are where Ellis-Bextor really shine. "China Heart" breezes through and one could almost swear an isolated princess is singing it from the top of a tower. "Can't Have It All" takes "I Am Not Good At Not Getting What I Want" from her last record a step further. A woman wretchedly falling apart and on the verge of a breakdown sounds so realistic one's heart breaks along with the lady in the song.
"Trip The Light Fantastic" is definitely a step above her previous recordings. Despite its lyrical flaws (and the inexplicable bonus tracks tacked on that could've replaced the weaker songs, such as "Only One" and "Love Is Here"), this record could perfectly play at the next party. And if that is not enough, surly this record is better than 90% of the Super Paper Mario soundtrack, so Ms. Ellis-Bextor, look for that Nintendo endorsement soon.
Missed promotion aside, "Trip the Light Fantastic" sees Ellis-Bextor's return to pop stardom after a 3 year absense from music. And what a relief it is to listen to a record that has consistency instead of a standard singles and filler pop record (a problem that nortoriously plagued her "Read My Lips" album).
At its best, the record's bass thumps all the way through like Kylie Minogue's "Fever." Single "Me and My Imagination" should have been a huge hit; a kindred spirtit to Minogue's "Love At First Sight." "Today The Sun's On Us" grows after a few spins and "The Distance Between Us" vaguely resembles Berlin's 1985 hit, "Take My Breath Away" (which isn't a bad thing at all).
At its worst, however, the records lyrics go from intelligent to shockingly stupid, just like Kylie Minogue's "Fever". Ellis-Bextor's lyrical output has always been wildly inconsistent. Though it does tends to be a little better than her previous outings, it is definitely not something to be ignored easily. "Only One" commits the worst offense with an opening line "I don't know why you cry, you must have a windswept eye," following a bizarre reading from whatever rhyming dictionary she owns. Possible single "If You Go" needs its second verse lyrics completely redone, removing the banal readings of cliched sayings and despite its sunny disposition, Ellis-Bextor should be ashamed of rhyming dizzy with giddy on "Love Is Here."
If Ellis-Bextor does anything perfect she eloquently writes about unrequited love with a sense of desperation that almost seems cool. Hit single "Catch You" sears of creepy passion with a backing track that rocks hard and fast, but the more subdue songs though are where Ellis-Bextor really shine. "China Heart" breezes through and one could almost swear an isolated princess is singing it from the top of a tower. "Can't Have It All" takes "I Am Not Good At Not Getting What I Want" from her last record a step further. A woman wretchedly falling apart and on the verge of a breakdown sounds so realistic one's heart breaks along with the lady in the song.
"Trip The Light Fantastic" is definitely a step above her previous recordings. Despite its lyrical flaws (and the inexplicable bonus tracks tacked on that could've replaced the weaker songs, such as "Only One" and "Love Is Here"), this record could perfectly play at the next party. And if that is not enough, surly this record is better than 90% of the Super Paper Mario soundtrack, so Ms. Ellis-Bextor, look for that Nintendo endorsement soon.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
just had to have this cd
I'd heard a particular song off of St trinian's dvd and started searching everywhere to get this particular track. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Sarah C
Surprisingly good
Always thought that Sophie E-B had an interesting voice and Murder of the Dance Floor has been in my head for years. So not surprised that there is some good stuff on this album. Read more
Published 17 months ago by PJ
I love the eighties electronic pop and I love this album
I'm a man of the 80's and love electronic, depeche mode, nik kershaw etc... and there's some great tracks on this album, if you turn the volume up in the car on Catch you, me & my... Read more
Published on 28 May 2009 by Jacobitejake
What happened to Sophie Ellis Bextor?
I mean this album is just boring. In the beginning I said that this album has a lot of dance tracks, but all of them are monotone and weak. Read more
Published on 6 Sep 2007 by Marc Spieß
Woody
Don't listen to the negative comments below, this is a fantastic pop album. very upbeat, warm and sunny and always puts you in a great mood. Read more
Published on 11 Aug 2007 by Woody
Fantastic is the word!!!!!!
After reading a few reviews of this album, I finally pulled myself together and got it! I am a so called fan of Miss Ellis Bextor, but her sound as one review said is very... Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2007 by Andy Sargeant
Sophie Ellis Crapster
Nice voice,especially for calming stressed Goldfish!!!This was almost as painful as having teeth pulled. Read more
Published on 30 July 2007 by CelticSons
Still good - but the same again
I love Sophie Ellis Bextor and I am a fan of her music since 2001. I expected her to release an album with dance tracks and uptempo songs and she did it. Read more
Published on 1 July 2007 by Marc Spie
Very Few Albums Are This Good
Anyone interested in good pop music should ignore Mark Reed's review that starts off this reviews list. It says far more about him than it does about this record. Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2007 by J. Goddard
4 years is a lifetime in pop
Four years is a long time in music. Four years is all the time it took for The Smiths as a recording act to venture from "This Charming Man" to "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard... Read more
Published on 26 Jun 2007 by Mr. M. A. Reed
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