Amazon.co.uk Review
To date, Abs is the only member of Five to embark on a solo career, and considering
Abstract Theory, it's difficult to tell whether his former bandmates will take the plunge themselves or opt for a quiet life. Things have certainly changed since Abs was the cute, wideboy element of that highly sexed, anti-Westlife boyband-with-attitude. Abs has been paying attention in his two-year absence though, producing a not entirely unlikable album of groovy pop tunes. The Chicago brass of "What You Got", name-checking
GQ Magazine and containing numerous references to girls, is a great showcase of his talents, as is the incessant pace of the infectious "Stop Sign".
"Roll With Me" is a smooth, mid-tempo cut but it suffers from an inescapable blandness that occasionally blights the whole album, although he skilfully uses silky smooth female harmonies throughout to combat this and contrast with his own (passable) vocals. The results are pleasing, particularly on "7 Ways" where he steers clear of the actual chorus completely, letting the lady do the talking for him. However, album fillers such as the risible "Back to the Limo" let the project down and easily highlight the difference between him and his more established contemporaries--and, unfortunately, no one can beat Justin Timberlake at the moment for funky, twisted pop music. --Cortman Virtue
CD Description
Debut album from pop B-boy and former Five vocalist Richard'Abs' Breen. Produced by Biff & Jules (Will Young, Dido andGabrielle), 'Abstract Theory' is upbeat pop with shades of R&B, dance and hip hop . Includes 'Stop Sign' and his debut top five single 'What You Got', which includes a sample fromAlthea & Donna's 70's reggae anthem 'Uptown Top Ranking'.