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28 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Disco(mbobulation)Ball, 28 April 2008
It takes a brave man (or a somewhat foolish manager) to time ones'
debut album release with that of Mrs.Ciccone-Ritchie's latest
extravaganza but Mr Sparro gets my vote straight off the bat
with this scintillating slice of chic, sophisticated electrofunk.
Anybody who can manage to weave the word 'discombobulated' into a pop song
(trust me it's there in 'Cottonmouth') immediately gains my full attention and respect.
It's a very strong first showing indeed, 'Black And Gold' having been
around for a little while now as an amuse-bouche to whet our appetites
until the whole three courses (plus petit fours and coffee) arrived at the table.
And what a damned fine meal we have set out before us here.
It's as though a hyperactive schoolboy has been rooting around
in his elder brother's 70's and 80's funky disco collection,
absorbing the best and ditching the rest.
The retro references are witty, cunningly integrated and sharply performed.
(I sense an encyclopedic knowledge and enthusiasm for the genre).
Mr Sparro's voice shifts comfortably between a rich (and slightly sleazy)
baritone and a finely honed falsetto (watch out Mr Shears !) navigating
the thirteen numbers in this collection with confidence and authority.
This largely uptempo set would feel as at home in the surburban drawing
rooms of Purley as it doubtless will in the darker corners of West Hollywood.
Highpoints for the yet-to-be initiated include : aforementioned groovetastic single
'Black And Gold'; '21st Century Life' for it's punch-in-the-guts slap bass;
'Cottonmouth' for it's smart-arse, loping elegance;'Hot Mess' for it's hot hook chorus
and personal favorite 'Pocket' which has pretty much everything in it that I want from a pop song.
Full Marks Mr Sparro. It's shiny shirt and disco flares for me tonight for sure....
....and I want to dance with somebody !
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18 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's a grower!, 9 May 2008
After hearing and getting addicted to Black and Gold, I was anxiousto see if Sam Sparro's album would live up to my expectations.
If you're buying it solely on the basis of Black and Gold, I would be a bit wary, perhaps wait for another single, because there are no other songs in that vein on the album.
However, I've really enjoyed the album as a whole. Despite thinking on first listen that some of it was a bit cheesy - indeed some lyrics are but I don't care - I've found it completely addictive and can't stop listening to it. It's sort of like Happy Hour at a gay club, which I mean in an entirely complimentary way! It's so upbeat and fun, perfect for the summer weather which is attempting to shine through. Brilliant for anyone who likes to sing along, too.
Anyone who likes the more upbeat songs of Basement Jaxx and Scissor Sisters would probably like this album in all its electro-disco-funk brilliance.
Stand out tracks are Sick, Cottonmouth, Clingwrap and Pocket.
If for no other reason than this album comes across as unashamedly fun and a bit different to everything in the R n B saturated charts (which I like some of but think there's a bit too much) it deserves five stars.
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16 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The new sound of the summer, 9 May 2008
It would be impossible to write anything about Sam Sparro without discussing his ubiquitous first single, so I'll get that out of the way first: 'Black and Gold' is a stunning, reflective - almost melancholy - song, impossible not to love and perhaps a classic in the making. But fans of that track should approach Sparro's debut album with caution. There's only one other slow song amongst the 14 here - 'Waiting for Time' - and it doesn't even come close to matching the brooding magnificence of 'Black and Gold'. The majority of this record is far more funky and upbeat, both innovatively futuristic and pleasingly retro.
Instead of taking the standard pop route, Sparro's music mixes elements of dance, electro, funk and a distinctive 1980s sound - Prince is the most obvious influence, while 'Hot Mess' sounds like a lost track from the Scissor Sisters' first album. For me at least, the highlight of the whole collection is 'Clingwrap', a joyous, four-minute kiss-off anthem anchored around infectious hooks and brilliantly absurd, witty lyrics. 'Too Many Questions', '21st Century Life' and 'Sally' are similarly fabulous pop songs, instantly easy to sing along to. Meanwhile, the closing hidden track, 'Still Hungry', is something of a departure - a piano-led ballad showcasing Sparro's soulful voice, it suggests a versatility that could turn its creator into a genuine star.
Anyone familiar with Sparro's debut EP will be aware that his lyrics can veer dangerously close to the offensive side of trite, as on the embarrassing 'Miss Rexi' (thankfully not included here), the brief skit 'Recycle It!' and the verses of the otherwise excellent '21st Century Life'. These lyrical indiscretions provide the weakest moments of the album - Sparro's songs work best when he sticks to the universal pop themes of relationships and having a good time.
It remains for time to tell whether Sam Sparro will ever have another hit big enough to surpass 'Black and Gold', but this record is a triumph nevertheless, packed with catchy tunes and brimming with irresistible tracks almost guaranteed to make you want to dance. It's perfect for playing in your car with the windows down on a hot day, or to get you in the mood for a big night out. If Sparro's lucky, this could well turn out to be the must-have album of summer 2008.
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