Funky Dory

Rachel is still growing in many ways. Since she left the massive "S Club", she has a more mature, fresh & cosmopolitan sound, making her the ideal pop icon.

Also, every song on "Funky Dory" has a 'special something' that keeps you hooked to the album.

Let's review the album tracks:

1. Some Girls: The Sport Relief's single of 2004, "Some Girls" it's an electro flavoured track ala Goldfrapp's "Strict Machine" -which exploded on the USA dance chart a couple of months ago-, easily one of the best tracks of the year !

2. Sweet Dreams (My LA EX): The Lead Single of the album, It has a very acoustic sound to it. Produced by Cathy Dennis, the song has an unique style and *obviously* the mainstream audience liked it - My LA EX peaked at Number 2 in the UK.

3. Funky Dory: Fabulous track, which has an original sound & strangely catchy lyrics - The title track was the 2nd Single from the Album, but it was sadly overlooked by the UK public back in December 2003 =(

4. Fools: Great song - It will stay in your mind for a while, you have been warned!. Again, Rachel is delivering to us an acoustic pop song. This one was also included on Disney's 'The Princess Diaries 2' soundtrack, but with 'less seductive' lyrics

5. Breathe In, Breathe Out: Fresh & uplifting track, perfect for a sunny day because of it's happy lyrics & strings, "Breathe In, Breathe Out" is a standout of the album and shines with it's own light

7. Glide: Exquisite Song, "Glide" it's one of my favorites from "Funky Dory". It may sound strange at first -it has weird beats in the background-, but it will grow on you quickly. Pure Pop Perfection !

7. Heaven Has To Wait: The Big "Ballad" of the album, Heaven has to wait includes strings & a sad piano on the background. Rachel shows her vocal range on this one.

8. More, More, More: Latin-esque beats, faux-samba sounding track delivered by Stevens, the album version it's a bit weak, though the single version it's dance tastic !!!

9. Blue Afternoon: Relaxing Track, once again Rachel scored some points here. "Blue Afternoon" it's perfect for those rainy days or as the title says, it's great for a listening experience on those Blue Afternoons :P

10. I Got The Money: It sounds good, it's a great track to listen at night - For a strange reason, it reminds me of a Casino, Don't know why lol !

11. Little Secret: Catchy Chorus & Lyrics - This Song was the B-Side to "Sweet Dreams (My LA Ex)", it would have been a great single choice.

12. Solid: It's one of the strongest Tracks of the album, and as the title says is "Solid" :P, Rachel sings very well in this one too - showcasing her beautiful voice.

13. Silk: The 'Dark' soundsing track of the album & the sexiest one too, it's the perfect example of the new mature sound of Rachel Stevens.

Hopefully, Rachel will be in the music industry for a long time , she deserves it. Now, I'm waiting for her new solo release. Pick up this one - you won't be dissapointed

Thanks for reading this review

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews   Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink Comment Comment

But, if you did think that, how wrong you were. This is an excellent album. Full of foot tapping, bass thudding, hook laden songs of contemporary pop/rock/funk - music for grown ups. The care and attention lavished on the songwriting, production and performance shines through on every track. If this had been a debut album from a cooler artist than Rachel Stevens it would have been showered with best album and best newcomer nominations.

If you don't believe me (and the music critic from The Observer for God's sake who gave it five stars!), listen to it yourself. You won't be disappointed.

And now, reissued with the added bonus of Rachel's collaboration with Richard X on the thunderous "Some Girls"!

A work of pop art indeed.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews   Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink Comment Comment

What's new?
* Artwork
* "Funky Dory (Single Version)"
* "Breathe In, Breathe Out (Single Version)"
* "Some Girls"
* "More, More, More"
* "Some Girls (Remix)"
and maybe: "Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex (Original Radio Edit)"

Everyone who hasn't bought the original album yet: Buy this re-release! It's your second chance to hear songs sung by a big talent: Rachel Stevens. And for those who bought her first album can also buy this new version - why not? There are cool new tracks and the cover is just amazing!

So go and get it :)

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews   Was this review helpful to you?

Report this | Permalink Comment Comment