Popstars

What better way to kick off the album than with “Pure and simple”, the guys’ record-shattering debut single? Their second single “The way to your love” is next, which I personally think is better than “Pure and simple” because of its fantastic harmonies and sad but poppy melody. “One step closer” is a sort of mid-tempo track, co-written by Kym and Danny, so they sing the lead parts. Their voices go really well together, and I especially like the verses; Kym sings a line in her amazing high voice (although she can get to those low notes pretty easily too), then all you hear is Danny’s soft, deep voice coming in after her! “Another lover” is an all right song, I suppose, but it lacks a bit in the funkiness department. I overlook that though, because Kym sings lead vocals and her power lungs really show here! The next track is “One”, a really smooth pop number with funky intros to each verse, followed by “Not the kind”, which is cleverly written so that the boys and girls can sing to each other in the song. It gives all five a chance to show off their voices, and check out Noel’s super high bit in the middle eight…! Co-written by Suzanne, Noel and Myleene, “Make it happen” is a more disco-y track with Myleene and Noel at the main mike. Not sure about Myleene’s vocals though, she sounds really croaky and just can’t reach those high parts. Then it’s “Breathe”, a groovy mid-tempo choon with Danny, Noel and Kym on lead vocals. Once again Kym’s voice will blow you away; she was easily the best singer in Hear’say. “Carried away” is a beautiful ballad sung mainly by Kym and Noel, but Noel doesn’t compliment Kym’s wicked voice as well as Danny. Oh well, it’s a fab piece of slush and because of that it’s one of my fave songs on this album. “Sweet alibi” is quite poor; it’s one of those unfortunate “fillers” that get plonked on an album just to fill space. The lyrics don’t make sense and the backing music sounds boring, so I skip that one. However, “I didn’t want you anyway” is a great track with everyone on lead vocals, which is always good to hear. It’s in between a mid and uptempo, but again Myleene’s vocals are quite weak. Personally I don’t think she deserved to be part of Hear’say as there were other girls in the final ten that could sing with a lot more power. “Colour blind” is a bright, happy, upbeat song, but watch out for the sudden intro. I nearly wet myself with fright when I first heard it – it’s a huge drum bang and the guys immediately plunge into the chorus! An emotional ballad, “Love will never end” is another of my faves from “Popstars”, as everyone sings lead again and the lyrics are about friendship and believing in yourself. To conclude the alb, two tracks that helped Hear’say make it through their auditions: “Monday Monday” and “Bridge over troubled water” are belted out by the gang. “Monday Monday” is a tad short at 2 minutes 30 seconds, but I suppose they had to include it! “Bridge over troubled water” is a gorgeous ballad that shows off everyone’s voices really well in the excellent harmonies.

All in all, this is a great first album, but I’ve given it 4 stars as there are a couple of dreaded fillers… aaaaaargh! But anyway, if you’re preferred music genre is pop, this is definitely one for your collection.