Dannii (Minogue) - Girl (1997) [Reissued 2007]

All I Wanna Do
Dannii bounced back onto the scene in 1997 sporting a brand new blonde look with a harder, less commercial sound and her sexiest video to date. The new direction paid off and the lead single from Dannii's third studio album gave her the highest chart position that she had held up until that point in UK: Number Four. All I Wanna Do is an all out dance track written by the man that went on to write 'Believe' for Cher. As well as the bass, there are electric guitars and a hands in the air chorus that begs for a comedy word change...

Heaven Can Wait
Drum n' Bass on a Dannii album? Affirmative. The upbeat tempo is reflective of the mood of the song: The sun is shining and the birds are singing...literally. Dannii sings that Heaven Can Wait now the man in her life is by her side. Guitars and brass punctuate the chorus and the beat is removed for the second chorus that adds weight to the subsequent section of the song. Dannii pulls off this style and turns in a summery classic.

So In Love With Yourself
Dannii's sister appears on 'So In Love With Yourself', doing duty on the backing vocals. Just in case you didn't know, Dannii's sister is the world famous singer, Kylie Minogue. A slow vocal with little accompaniment does not give away the direction that this song is going to take until after the chorus is sung and the beat slams in. From that moment, it's a non-stop dance attack on somebody that is so full of themself that they are unable to love anybody else. Marvelous.

Am I Dreaming?
The best song on the album and should have been a single. The vocal is low, the melody is simple and the song will have you under its spell in no time. Dannii can't deny the thoughts that she is having about a man that has become her obsession. She asks whether or not she is Dreaming and whether or not the man feels the same.

Everybody Changes Underwater
Interesting. Very interesting. The beat is drum and bass once again but this time the vocal is whispered and documents a dream-like journey across meadows, under the sea and into space. Where radiant, glowing stars pulsate, the song does just that. It pulsates and you're there on this journey. A lesser-known third Minogue, Dannii's brother Brendan, pops up on this as one of the voices that beckons her like angels, making this a family affair. It takes time to get this but it is good. Fact.

Everything I Wanted
The second single release from the album, with a seriously cool video. Dannii and her then boyfriend Steve Shaw (photographer), flew out to the US, hired a drop top and drove out to Vegas. The whole thing is shot on an old handheld camera, that gives it a retro finish and they even stopped off at the hotel used in 'Leaving Las Vegas' for some underwater shots in the outdoor pool. The song is as cool as the video, co-written by Dannii and Drum n' Bass in style. The album version of the track has longer choruses, that do sound better on the single version without the additional lines. This version is still great and proof of the fact that when Dannii experiments, she comes up with the goods.

If It Moves - Dub It
This is a dub mix of Moving Up, with little vocal and little purpose. As a shorter interlude, I think it would work quite well though this goes on a little too long for my liking.

Disremembrance
The third release from 'Girl' and a cracking song. The video for this is dark, Dannii has chipped nail polish, nude makeup, a black polo neck and hair that makes it look as though she has been dragged through a hedge backwards. She has glycerine injected into her eyes to make it look as though she has been crying; bodies and eels are writhing around on soaked floor; the video is played part in reverse and some of the dancers look rather devious. The sound is much simpler than the single version, though the strings that dominate the track are still out in force and sound arguably better than the version that got released. There is no Josh Wink 'Higher State Of Conciousness'-esque interlude on the album version, which does not distract from the sentiment of the song. The lyrics are contradictory and when asked what 'Disremembrance' means, Dannii admits that she herself is not too sure! All of this chaos comes together what many describe as Dannii's anthem song. Phenomenal.

It's Amazing
The only ballad on the album, which starts with heavy breathing. The lyric goes on to say how 'Inside I may be falling down but outside, I'm as tall as trees'. Dannii is putting a brave face on the fact that she is in love with somebody that appears to be using her for just one thing. 'Tonight your touch it feels so right but then daylight makes me feel a fool' she sings as 'It's only when I need you and I can't feel you I realise that piece by piece I've given myself to you'. When they are together, things feel 'So fine, so right' for Dannii and it is this that she finds amazing. Amazing the emotion that this man stirs inside her or amazing how she can feel like this, 'Wishing that you were wishing for me', we never know. What we do know is that this is a good song and has elements in keeping with the rest of Girl so as not to sound completely detatched from the dance style of its peers.

Movin' Up (Original Extended Mix)
Movin' Up is a bass heavy nineties dance track, with fast beats and a strong vocal. The sound is a little dated compared to current styles but the track has a good melody that can still cut the mustard.

Keep Up With The Good Times
This song did not feature on the original release of 'Girl' but comes as a welcome addition to the Deluxe Edition. Testiment to the era from which it comes, this is Piano Handbag House, with some fast, heavy beats once again. The vocal is equally quick and the chorus stirs something in the listener and you can see yourself in the middle of the dancefloor, with your arms in the air with a smile on your face. Even by today's standards, this is a stomper of a track showing that Dannii was definitely pushing it back in the day. This is what artists should do and hopefully, with her new material, she will continue to blaze a trail for others to follow.

Someone New (Flexifingers Radio Edit)
Another track that was not included on the original release and another gem. Whilst the beats are as hard and fast as we have come to expect, the vocal is slower and lower for the verses. The bridges are catchy and the choruses pull no punches about telling the man in question that Dannii is over them and looking to find Someone New. She recognises that the tables have turned, that it is time to walk away and sticks the knife in but telling her ex that each night she was alone with him she could picture herself with somebody else. Dannii is no longer the sweet and innocent girl that she was when they were together (and during the verses) now, due to how she has been treated, she is coming out fighting and taking control.

Coconut
Originally a hidden bonus track on the album, this Harry Nilsson cover was an Australia-only single release that had a video that was a collage of the videos for 'All I Wanna Do', 'Everything I Wanted' and 'Disremembrance'. The needle drops on the record, we hear the feedback, the melody begins and Dannii sings to a point where the bass drops and the relentless beats that have been present throughout the album blow the track up. The song takes a little getting used to and I do prefer the calmer, original version that Dannii recorded that can be found on the 1995 Sessions but, with time and almost against your will, you will find yourself enjoying this.

All I Wanna Do (Trouser Enthusiasts Radio Edit)
The first of the remixes on the first disc of the Deluxe Edition would not sound out of place in a club today and the additional vocals recorded for the track work well. The beat throughtout the verses add a sense of urgency to the vocal that now sounds restrained by comparison. During the chorus, these beats climax and rise with the vocal that make this a crowd-pleaser.

Everything I Wanted (Xenomania Radio Edit)
Proof that Dannii was amongst the first to work with Xenomania, an accolade all too commonly bestowed upon Dannii's X Factor judging colleague Cheryl Cole and her Girls Aloud bandmates. This adds a more dancey dimension to the left of the middle drum and bass original that fails to improve on what was already a fantastic song.

Disremembrance (Trouser Enthusiasts Radio Edit)
The haunting strings that make this song are replaced by the piano in a clubbed up version of a classic track. The vocal is not conveyed as successfully with the remixed sound which does do what it is supposed to and makes the song more suitable for the clubs.

In addition to this first disc, the Deluxe Edition features a second disc that features an additional three mixes of 'All I Wanna Do' (12" Extended, Qattara Club and Tiny Tim & The Mekon Dream Dub); two mixes of 'Everything I Wanted' (Xenomania 12" Club and Jupiter 6 Soul Surround); two mixes of 'Disremembrance' (Full Orchestral 12" [FANTASTIC!!] and Twyce As Nyce 1:40am Club); the Trouser Enthusiats Cloud Nine Mix of 'Heaven Can Wait'; the Gettin' Harder Mix of 'Movin' Up' and the Xenomania 12" Mix of 'Keep Up With The Good Times'.

It is often said that Dannii is ahead of her time and she works with a lot of now established people on this project back when they were up and comers. Dannii had recently split from her husband, undergone plastic surgery, posed for Playboy, died her brown hair blonde and dropped her famous Minogue moniker at the time of 'Girl'. She was shaking loose of everything that had gone before and made a fresh sound with a fresh name and a fresh look. As a title, Dannii says that she picked 'Girl' as, aged twenty-six, she felt that it was the last time that she would be able to get away from it; though it is also indicative of the fact that musically, this was just the first steps that Dannii was taken in a new direction that she has since made her own. Although commercially, the success of this was only moderate, it did provide Dannii with her biggest hit up until that point and it was critically-acclaimed; earning respect in an industry which had all too often criticised her efforts. On its 1997 re-release however, the initial pressing was not enough to satisfy demand and subsequent pressings have had to be made, allbeit without the updated album cover inlay. Yes, this sounds dated in parts but the vast majority of the album, which is now thirteen years old, is still relevant and with parts that can still be classed as experimental. If you were going to choose one album to test the water with Dannii Minogue most people would recommend 'Neon Nights'. I myself would go with 'Girl' every time.

Dannii Minogue's Official Website: www.danniiminogue.com

Sugababes - Sweet 7 (2010)

Get Sexy
The lead single from the album and the last one to feature Keisha Buchanan: the final original Sugababe. This song, that headed towards the top of the UK charts, showcased a fresh sound, not only for the Sugababes, but a fresh sound full stop. The verses are almost spoken without much accompaniment. Amelle's hook and bridge follow in a similar vain, with some electronic backing, which leads to a Right Said Fred inspired chorus. It sounds odd but this works.

Wear My Kiss
The current single starts with an almost rock introduction, which reminds me of JC Chasez's brilliant 'All Day Long', especially when the hand claps begin to feature. There are dah dah dahs which I would not ordinarily be too keen on but do I like them, as well as the verses and Amelle's rap. The choruses are catchy and my only critism is the Ah's that back up Heidi's pre-chorus. All in all a good song but there is better to come on Sweet 7.

About A Girl
The second single from the album and the first to feature the latest Sugbabe recruit, Jade Ewen: The UK's representative in the 2009 Eurivision Song Contest and about to be solo star with the fantastic 'My Man'. This track is produced by man of the momenet: Red One. It's a party track that went Top 10 in the UK, which hopefully is demonstrative of the acceptance of Jade in the band. Her voice is much better than Keisha's and the band look and sound the best that they ever have.

Wait For You
Yet another up tempo track with a more trancy sound than the songs that we have heard so far. The verses are comparable to Madonna's 'Get Together' but there is no comparison to be had with the brilliant chorus. Jade is on duty for this and belts it out. The lyric is, as the title suggests, about the girls' willingness to wait as long as it takes for the man that they want. This song is deserving of a release.

Thank You For The Heartbreak
This song is also upbeat and has an almost staccato sound to it, with a chorus that has a heavy Abba influence. It's not terrible, though this is not one of my favourite tracks. It is about thanking a former partner for ending the relationship as, if they hadn't, they wouldn't be on the dance floor having the time of their life.

Miss Everything feat. Sean Kingston
This should be the next single as it would blow up! It has a summery sound to it, which may explain why, in winter, this has not yet been chosen to promote the record. The sound is categorically Sean Kingston, which is no bad thing. Amelle's pre-chorus is the best bit. The song is relentless and will have you up out of your seat, guaranteed.

She's A Mess
Please do not let the Techno introduction put you off this song. This is a harder track and sounds a little like Get Sexy during the verses. Auto tune distorts the vocal and provides pretty much the only pitch change. My favourite part is Amelle's rap asking everyone to go psycho in a distinctively London accent. It's a grower and fast becoming a favourite.

Give It To Me Now
This song is fantastic and showcases the girls' voices brilliantly. There is very little musical accompaniment, just a simple drum beat and some electronic sounds. The choruses bounce along nicely and you'll be nodding your head to this, assuming that you can resist the temptation to get up on your feet. The new line up harmonises well, especially when they demand that you 'Put your money where your mouth is'.

Crash & Burn
A ballad about a relationship that has fallen apart (crashed and burned) and how the wreckage is so bad that nothing that can be salvaged. The Sugababes sang an acoustic version of this in session that they did for The Sun newspaper, which you can see online and the album version has a rockier edge to it with heavy drums and the electronic guitar; though the sound is most definitely pop. The song is fine, the girls have just done much better slow stuff; namely 'Too Lost In You' from 'Three'.

No More You
Another slow jam, with Jade on vocals for verse one. It has a faster lyric and the chorus makes this more of an anthem then Crash & Burn. Amelle picks up verse two and her voice sounds as great when she sings soft as it does when she is tearing it up. She is fast becoming the Alesha Dixon of Sugababes. Heidi always sounds sweet and she has the bridge. The song is dedicated to an ex and declares that the girls are 'Gonna do what I wanna do, No More You'.

Sweet & Amazing
This song has the hand claps of 'Wear My Kiss' and an acoustic sound similar to 'Ugly'; a song that I never much cared for from 'Taller In More Ways'. The lyric says that life can be Sweet & Amazing if you know what you want and make the most out of everything that it brings your way.

Little Miss Perfect
A complete sound change for the final track of the album sounds a little like Alicia Keys with the piano and string accompaniment. Heidi takes the vocal for the first verse and Amelle shows that she is a diva in the making with a flawless vocal for the chorus. This works well as the last track, since it is a total departure from the rest of the album and the girls sound the best that they ever have.

This third change in the line up of the Sugababes is the best yet. The girls look and sound like never before and have turned in their strongest album in a while. The girls are one of the most consistent bands and, let's not forget, the most successful UK girl band. This album is for getting ready for a night out to, with the last few tracks great for putting on when you get back. Three singles have now been released from Sweet 7 and there are a couple more on the album. The girls should use these to be working with Jade on a new album into which she has input, rather than singing lines that were intended for somebody else. Jade's solo stuff is hard Rn'B and My Man is a fantastic song. I would be very interested to see what the new look 'babes can come up with. In a nutshell, I like Sweet 7 but I am more intrigued as to what album number 8 will bring. This album, the first for the Sugababe's new label, deserves to be a success to ensure that they get to release it.

Sugababes' Official Website: www.sugababes.com

Sugababes - Taller In More Ways (2005)

Push The Button
The lead single from the album and a UK Number One for the 'babes, who at this time were Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Heidi Range. Halfway through the album, Mutya disbanded and was replaced by Amelle Berrabah and it is the re-recorded version of the album that I am going to review. The beat on this, as well as the melody, is quite repetitive and I am surprised that the song did as well as it did. There is a fine line between catchy and annoying and this song gets to me a little. I am obviously in the minority, since this song more than did its job for the girls. The lyric is about the Sugababes waiting for a boy to ask each one of them out and, if they are ready to do so, they need to Push The Button to let the girls know. The video likens this to calling a lift/elevator; making it stop on your floor.

Gotta Be You
Turn the lights down low, introduces the song with a lyric that is almost rapped, suiting Amelle much better than it did Mutya and showing that she was the right person to be added to the band. The beat is harder than in 'Push The Button' and the song is a head nodder rather than for dancing around your handbag to like 'Button'. The subject is a break up, directed to the recent ex and describes that, since the girls are not at fault, it's Gotta Be You.

Follow Me Home
The second single release to be taken from the album after the addition of Amelle Berrabah and last release from 'Taller In More Ways'. The style is in direct contract to the first two songs, since it is a ballad, though once again it is sang direct to the men in question. The Sugababes recognise that love can sometimes hurt and invite their partners to Follow Them Home so that they may weather the storm, whatever the cost. The song is beautiful, strings feature heavily over the choruses that have perfect harmonies, as well as more contemporary elements, such as scratching. For me this is the best song on the album.

Joy Division
The electric guitar, gets scratched into a Reggae-influenced, bass heavy track. The vocal is low for the verse, high for the chorus and catchy. The lyric is about not being a piece of meat sitting in a Delicatessen (seriously) and turning somebody down. Not the best song on the album but not so bad that I would call it a filler either.

Red Dress
The third cut from the album and first single with Amelle as a fully fledged 'babe. The bass guitar calls the shots on this dancey track and the second chorus (this song has two) sang by Amelle lets us know why she was chosen to replace Mutya Buena. The song is about the girls pulling the strings in what men believe is a man's world and how they don't need any tricks to wrap men around their little fingers. It is catchy, well worth the single release and shows that the departure of Mutya was not going to stop the Sugababes.

Ugly
The second single release from the album, the final to feature Mutya and another smash hit for the girls. The sound is more acoustic than the rest of the album and has the message that, no matter what you look like, 'People are all the same And we only get judged by what we do. Personality reflects name And if I'm ugly then so are you.' The girls take it in turns to recount the names they were called when they were younger, which got them down and how, as they got older, they got comfortable with their own style, grew 'Taller In More Ways' and realised that the name calling was out of envy rather than anything else. A lot of people liked this for it to head towards the top of the charts but I myself am not really a fan. I find the song a little flat and lacking that certain something that the rest of the album has.

It Ain't Easy
Acoustic guitars start off this song, with electronic feedback, which gives the song an urgency reflected in the quick vocal. What isn't easy is being with the girls, since they have strong minds, won't be controlled and it is all about them. The bridge, sang by Heidi, sounds almost medieval, like 'Broken Glass' by Annie Lennox and there are a lot of Glam Rock moments. Such a mish mash of styles should sound disjointed but comes across as feisty, in keeping with the lyric; bullying you into liking the track.

Bruised
This song is all about the bass guitar too. The rest of the accompaniment is perussion, some electronic sounds and the harpsichord. The strange combination does work with moderate success, though fails to make this a stand out track. The vocal is quite low and the lyric is about being in a war with a partner and telling them to leave you alone until the love has gone and you can move on.

Obsession
This song is pure eighties and sounds great! The girls used this to open their set for the tour that accompanied the release. Someone has caught the 'babes eye and they need to 'possess' this person. The lyric does convey the obsessive nature of their affections: I will have you, Yes, I will have you. I will find a way and I will have you. Like a butterfly, a wild butterfly, I will catch you and capture you. You are an obsession. You're my obsession. Who do you want me to be To make you sleep with me? The performance made the song more tongue in cheek rather than stalker and, taking the song with a pinch of salt will have you reaching for the dance floor rather than the straight jackets.

Ace Reject
The girls love their bass and the guitar features on this with plucked, verging on reggae, additional rifts. The vocal is catchy and slower than the pace of the song until we get to the chorus, where it speeds up. The song is about a relationship and its ups and downs. They are currently on a down and the bridge, sang by Heidi, is about realisation that the relationship has probably run its course. She says, 'Ain't if funny how sweet I dream but the bed keeps getting colder'. It's safe to say that the spark has gone out of the relationship but not out of this track, which is one of my favourites from 'Taller In More Ways'.

Better
Being brutally honest, I don't like this song. It sounds as though it could have fallen off a Disney soundtrack and has some frankly bizarre 'oohs' during the chorus have me skip this more often than not. The song is uptempo and is about dusting yourself down, picking yourself up and facing each day with a smile and positive attitude. You control your own destiny. The sentiment is good. The song is not.

2 Hearts
The pace drops for this almost acapella song that sees Heidi sing over the acoustic guitar at the beginning. When the music drops in, we have drums and strings that sound a little out of place. The music is disjointed, which reflects the lyric about being in one relationship as two hearts, two minds and two mouths. The girls are wondering whether they and their partner can make it through the storm together and, as the uncomfortable strings beome more of a protagonist and harmonise with the style of the percussion, the answer would appear to be yes. I think that this will take a few more listens for me to start feeling it but it is not bad.

Now You're Gone
The girls have been dumped and they are upset. Low strings accompany a fast drum beat and another heavy bassline, which later sees the introduction of the electric guitar. The lyrics are sad and leave us feeling down at the end of the album, which is good in so much as it will leave you thinking about what you just heard but you don't always want to be depressed by music and the album could have maybe done with just one more song to raise the mood a little.

'Taller In More Ways' starts strong and ends a little weak. Following the release of this, the girls released their 'Overloaded' singles collection (which they criminally left 'Follow Me Home' off (as well as two of the singles from their first album). On listening to 'Overloaded', you are reminded of all of the brilliant tracks that the Sugababes have turned in and, whilst 'Push The Button' was the girls' biggest hit up until that point, the girls are more capable than what this project would have you believe. The 'Overloaded' single release: 'Easy' is a welcome return to form and will no doubt feature as Tune of the Day soon! Stand out tracks from 'Taller In More Ways' are 'Follow Me Home', 'Red Dress', 'Obsession' and 'Ace Reject'. I would recommend listening to these first before deciding to invest in the whole album.

Sugababes' Official Website: www.sugababes.com

Mutya Buena - Real Girl (2007)

Just A Little Bit
The fourth single release from the album starts off proceedings, with the emphasis being firmly on the bass guitar. The song received only moderate success, stalling outside of the UK Top 40, peaking at Number 65. This is surprising when you actually hear the track. The lyric is about giving more than Just A Little Bit in a relationship in order to make it work and has applications to all sorts of situations, meaning that you can't help but connect with it. It is one of the stronger tracks on the album and a good choice for pole position.

Real Girl
The title track and first full-on solo single release from the album (after the release of the George Michael duet), 'Real Girl' contains excerpts from 'It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over' by Lenny Kravitz. The lyric is about having no regrets, not wanting to change anything and being true to youself. This was Mutya's biggest success and peaked at Number 2 in UK charts. The guitars over the pre-chorus are a particular favourite.

Song 4 Mutya (Out Of Control) with Groove Armada
The third single release has a completely different vibe to the previous tracks, given the collaboration with the excellent Groove Armada. The sound is dance and Mutya sounds great. She starts off the song with a spoken vocal saying that, seventeen months on from the break up of her relationship, she feels fine, believing her ex to be the one suffering. There she is, driving in her car, Prince on the stereo; she pulls up at a right light and sees said ex with his new girlfriend. Although she sings that this is a 'Sure fire way to ruin my day', she recognises that she 'Can't go back now' and must 'Look ahead now'. This is a real pleaser, that received rave reviews and landed in the Top 10 in New Zealand as well as UK. Even if you don't listen to the rest of the album, listen to this. Song 4 Mutya (Out Of Control) also features on the Groove Armada album 'Soundboy Rock'.

Breakdown Motel
A low hummed vocal introduces us to this slower paced, heavy on the percussion track. Low strings also accompany the slow vocal about being made to stay at Breakdown Motel, whilst her partner goes off to do whatever he wants. In the song, Mutya has hit rock bottom, she has been forced to check in to Breakdown Motel having been 'knocked out' by her partner. She realises, however, that he should not have put her in this position and promises that she will 'come round' from the knockout and stand back on her feet. An interesting track that deserves the few listens that it takes to be appreciated.

Strung Out
The piano provides the slow introduction to 'Strung Out' and, with a slow drum beat is the only musical accompaniment until Verse Two when the pace of the drums picks up and the backing vocals come in. The piano does not speed up ever though and stops the sound from moving from sombre to positive. The Mid Eight provides the moral of the song: 'Don't live your life in vein'. It's hard to be sure whether Mutya is singing about her time in the Sugababes and the reason behind her departure, or about another failed relationship. The lyric starts by saying that when they started out it was fun, nothing heavy, they were chasing dreams and flying high. This euphoria later turns to tragedy when Mutya sings about her words not getting through, begging for God's help whilst there is still something left to save, about being in pain every day and how everything is now gone. The Mid Eight continues to say 'Strung out, flowers on the grave, The angels are calling out your name, It's all gone, ashes in the rain'. I like this.

It's Not Easy
The high hat introduces this song to Mutya's unborn child. The pace is quicker than the last couple of tracks and the first verse is a multitude of questions that Mutya asks herself about the child that she can feel in her skin, deep within. The title recognises that becoming a parent will not be easy as she will have to be right all the time. From all of the songs that deal with a similar subject matter, there is only one parent to child song that I like: The brilliant 'To Zion' by Lauryn Hill. 'It's Not Easy' could easily have been left off 'Real Girl' without being missed.

Suffer For Love
The glockenspeil is the instrument of choice, along with strings, for the introduction to 'Suffer For Love'. This is a mid-paced song whose title can be misleading with regards to the lyric. In this song it is not Mutya who is suffering. She has ended a relationship for which she has given everything and asks why should she have continued in it when it just ain't happening and Suffer For Love. She wants to be happy, wants to be laughing and will keep on trying and although it does hurt when a relationship ends, she has faith in Cupid and will keep taking chances.

Not Your Baby
The style of this track is like nothing on the album so far. The pace is fast and the instrumentation is bold and brassy. This reflects the lyric about not being willing to be a notch on somebody's bedpost. She is in a club being checked out by somebody that is obviously with another girl. She tells him that, unless he has something to say to her, to stop staring and turn back to his girlfriend as she is not the kind of girl to go along with what he wants. Mutya does make it very clear, however, that she has everything that the man in question could want and then some to make sure that he is firmly in his place. One to have the ladies dancing around their handbags, this one.

Wonderful
The piano starts off this song and is the main protagonist throughout, although the violin also features along with some soft percussion. The verses are low, the pre-choruses emotive and the choruses simply beautiful. Mutya doesn't want to go through life alone and is willing to go 'Whichever way the wind blows cos I know there's something out there Wonderful'. The Middle Eight showcases the power in Mutya's voice and leaves no doubt for the listener as to her ability to come out of the Sugababes and make it as a solo artist. This is another great track, that winds up with trademark Mutya in her London accent stating, 'That's where it ends, innit', should there have been any doubt.

B Boy Baby
The final single release from the album and a song that, on paper should have reached higher than the Number 73 position in which it found itself. The song is a derivative of 'Be My Baby' written by Philip Spector, Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry, which features on the soundtrack to 'Dirty Dancing': The classic Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey movie. Amy Winehouse even steps up for backing vocals and has the perfect voice for this sound. Mutya's additional fast vocal sings about all of the good things about her man and how he is her 'Rainy day sunshine' and 'Heat in the cold of winter'. Another good track.

This Is Not (Real Love) with George Michael
The first single release from the album, which also features on George Michael's Greatest Hits package: 'Twenty Five'. The song reached Number 15 in UK and is a ballad that comes in at just under six minutes. The snare drum regiments this song about a couple that have been deceiving everybody that everythings fine between them and that they enjoy 'Real Love'. The combination of Buena and Michael is great, the track is believable and they styles fuse perfectly. Scratching punctuates the orchestral verses and I like this song.

Paperbag
The introduction sounds like it could have come from New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) by Erykah Badu but soon gives way to a smooth reggae beat. Throughout the relationship that has just ended, Mutya put together a collection of momentos in a paperbag. She has concert tickets, gift cards and photos and can't believe that everything that is left of the relationship fits inside the Paperbag that she must now get rid of. She finds throwing this away difficult since the cards and letters and so on reflect all of their love and all of their dreams. Throwing away the Paperbag will mean letting go of all of that but keeping it will mean that she will 'Go under' not being able to move on. I like this song a lot.

My Song
The last song on the album is another one of my favourites. It has a slow, smooth beat and is a narrative from Buena regarding a taxi journey that she takes to get away from it all. She dedicates this to anyone that the world has come crashing down on, anyone that has suffers in silence and anyone that doesn't want to deal with real life no more. She advises you to take it anyway you want to, accepts that this may not be much but it is her song. The taxi driver tells Mutya that he will take her as far as she pays for when she tells him that until she is in a different time zone, she will not be far enough away, but he offers her some free advice about having faith and how she will not find the answer to her problems running away in his taxi. It's a simple song and a great end to a solid debut album.

Coming out of a group and releasing a solo album is always going to be difficult, there are always pressures, comparisons and speculations about the reason behind the split that can detract from the music. Mutya was always one of the stonger members of the band, with one of the best voices and an individual style that interests me in her as an artist. Her first album is diverse, with power ballads, reggae, rock influences, rhythm and blues, dance and pop. There really is something on 'Real Girl' for everybody. As a collection, it works well with only one, possibly two, songs that don't appeal as much as the others. It comes recommended and you have to admire Mutya for her no nonsense lyrics, style and behaviour. Having made the decision to leave the Sugbabes, she states in her album notes that, 'I hope this as my 1st album does well and gives me the step forward to my future. If it doesn't then I know I've tried. We all have to start somewhere and mine's just beginning'. After a strong start, the album limped home and resulted in Mutya being dropped by her label. She is working on a second album at the moment given her increased profile following several musical collaborations and an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in UK. She is also rumoured to be working with Keisha Buchanan on her solo debut and trying to get the three original Sugababes: Siobhan Donaghy, Keisha Buchanan and herself back in the studio to take on the latest version of the band that features no original members: Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen. I would prefer to see Mutya concentrate on new solo material and, given that a lot of the lyrics on this album are about letting sleeping dogs lie, hopefully this will be the case.

Mutya Buena's Official Website: www.mutyamusic.com

The 411 - Between The Sheets (2004)

On My Knees feat. Ghostface Killah
The debut release from The 411 featured Ghostface Killah from The Wu-Tang Clan and a sample from 'Ain't My Style' performed by Main Ingredient. The sample is used as the chorus to the track which has a string, percussion and piano accompaniment. The girls speak the verses and harmonise over the sampled chorus and this single was a huge hit. It got to Number Four in UK and reached similar positions all over the world. The lyric recounts a relationship from start, where they meet on a train and fall in love; to finish, when Killah hits the girls due to paranoia over a previous infidelity. Ghostface Killah comes back at the girls to apologise for being aggressive towards them, tells them that he loves them and wants them back in the crib. Whilst he doesn't get his wish, we get a fantastic song. Prepare to see this as Tune of the Day soon!

Teardrops
The third release from the album features another sample, this time 'Danube Incident' as performed by Lalo Schifrin. Portishead also make use of this sample on 'Sour Times'. The percussion and guitar add weight to the sample to convey a lyric about an unfaithful ex partner that is finally getting his comeuppance. Revenge is a dish best served cold and it is now the girls' turn to see the ex suffer the way that they did when they were with him. He wants them back but they are unrelenting, despite his tears and the pain that he is feeling. His hurt gives them a natural high and has them ask him to think about the times that he walked all over them. Rather than have the girls take pity on him, his Teardrops set them free. This is another great track.

China Girl
Heavy bass, oriental drums and strings provide the soundtrack to this song to a girl made of china rather than coming from there. The fragile girl to whom they sing is on the streets, sleeping around, with no money to her name and ashamed by her current lifestyle. They encourage her to return home, where there are people who love her are waiting for her safe return. Not the obvious choice of topic for a pop song and not an immediate hit but, given time, this song does grow on you. So far, so good.

Chance
A fast acapella introduction to this song, gives rise to a funky/dancey number with a good drum beat, strings and a whole lot of bass guitar. This is one for the disco and the lyric is about a man missing his chance with the girls. They sing for him not to be surprised when he sees them in the club with another guy and to remember that it was him who said goodbye after using them for their money. The line 'It ain't your birthday' signals that the party is over for the two of them and there will be no going back. Yet another good song.

My Friend
The pace is slowed down for this electric guitar-led slow jam. The girls sing about a friend of theirs that is in hospital, at death's door, following an arguement with her boyfriend that got out of her hand in verse one and a second friend in Verse Two who got caught up in the drug scene and murdered on the streets. A rap advises the listener to make wise decisions and to make the most of themselves. You need to have self belief in order to get on in life and not to let others control you. Another strong message in another good song.

Between The Sheets
The title track of the album begins with the acoustic guitar and strings. A slow drum beat drops in time for the girls to start singing how they can put everything wrong in their relationship right Between The Sheets. They have had an arguement with their partner and are ready for the safe make up sex. (Safe as they lift the same message from Spice Girls' '2 Become 1'). The bridge is fantastic, its tempo reflecting the rhythm of what is going down and makes this song what it is: Brilliant.

Dumb
The second single release from the album and the biggest hit for The 411, peaking at Number Three in UK. The pace picks up once more, which reflects the fact that the lyric takes place in a club. The girls are out and are being checked out by somebody that makes them think how fun it would be to 'get some'. In the bridge, they sing that there is no way that they are going to play, knowing that their man is at home, looking at his wedding ring, waiting for them to get home. Cheating is what would be Dumb but the girls do no succumb and make it back to their baby boy who is on his own. Another potential Tune of the Day? I think so!

Forever Begins
A fast piano melody receives string accompaniment before the beat drops and the girls begin to sing about a woman on the beach at sunset, seeing the image of her dead partner in the reflection of the sun on the ocean and smiling. The reason that neither she, nor the song is sad is that she knows that he is in a better place and that it will not be too long until she too will move on from this Earth and be reunited with him in Heaven. Another totally original lyric that draws the listener in.

Jumpin'
Reggae is the order of the day and the girls feel like Jumpin', Groovin' and generally getting their freak on. The reason for this? Their man. They sing about him making them hot and feel like a woman should feel. They want to move the Jumpin' from the dance floor to the bedroom. All. Night. Long. I like this.

What If It Was You?
The pace drops back for this track that has acoustic guitars, drums and brass. The first verse concerns itself with a girl having to sell her body on the street and the second with a homeless man begging for change. The chorus asks you to put yourself in their position before judging and laughing at them and their misfortunate. It pulls no punches and asks you to consider 'What if it was you down on your luck? What if it was you and no one gave a ....?'. The song does send out a good message but its success has nothing on that of the magnificant 'Salvador' by Beverley Knight.

I Don't Want To Talk About It feat. JP Esq.
The harpsichord introduces the song, giving way to the piano, strings and acoustic guitar. The vocal is fast in comparison to the music, until we reach the pre-chorus where the girls let slip that they know that their man has another girlfriend. The heartbreak that this causes makes this topic off limits for the girls and JP Esq. tries some damage control, asking to still be friends but the girls cannot get over the revelation from the friends of the other woman and the fact that he has been lying to them all the time. Another fantastic song, which ends with the sound of rain, just like 'Cry Me A River' by Justin Timberlake; which deals with a similar subject matter.

Can't Fight Love
The final track of the album starts with the girls themselves, the piano and strings. It is by far the slowest song on the album and the minimal musical accompaniment allows the girls to showcase their vocal abilities. The stripped style is not in keeping with the rest of the album, which means that this track would not have worked had it been placed elsewhere on the album and that it can easily be overlooked with the listener keen to skip straight back to the start of the album and the sick 'On My Knees'. The song is about falling in love with a friend and taking the step to move the relationship forward and go from friends to lovers. Even though this is potentially not the smartest of moves, given that love doesn't come around every five minutes, you can't fight it and they should take a chance.

The debut album and success of the early singles indicate that there was more life in The 411 that one brilliant debut. Sadly, the band split after 'Between The Sheets' and, despite reforming several times, have been unable to reignite their success. The album has some brilliant songs on it and, with time, the rest of the songs work their charm and before you know it, you're including more and more songs as you work your way through it until you have the whole thing on repeat. Well worth checking out.

Destiny's Child - Destiny Fulfilled (2004)

Lose My Breath
An onform Darkchild produces the blinding opening track from the DC album that everybody wanted to hear. After going their separate ways, one of the biggest girl bands of all time got back together and hit us with one helluva heavy beat. The sassy, three-way dance off in the video made it all the more easy for this box fresh track to head straight to the top of the charts world over. It sounds as good today as it did six years ago and is still on regular rotation on my stereo.

Soldier feat. T.I. & Lil Wayne
Not one but two BIG names in Rap guest on a slower, more hip hop track, which has some cheeky lyrics about the kind of man that the DC girls go for. The song is full of attitude and there is no question about it being the ladies that call the shots. The track suits Michelle's voice perfectly, who is given more of an opportunity to shine on the record and finally bring it to Destiny's Child. The second single release from the album, this also found its way to the top of the charts and, if you haven't seen the Destiny's Child Live In Atlanta performance of this, what are you waiting for?!

Cater 2 U
The final single release from Destiny's Child before they permanently split and arguably their sexiest video. Missy Elliot cites this as her favourite DC track and it is easy to see why. Michelle once again showcases her beautiful voice during the bridge, which is the best part of the track; whilst the verses have Kelly and Beyoncé giving off the trademark DC fast singing. Despite this, and being produced by Darkchild, the song is in fact a slow jam and was once again a chart-topper.

T-Shirt
Slow the pace down a bit more and you get to hear about what the girls wear to sleep at night. It is a nice song and an instant hit but, as time goes on though, it can get a little stale to simply listen to. The vulnerability in Michelle's voice come across and is the perfect style for this track.

Is She The Reason
The first track that can get overlooked is an almost clumsy song that recognises a problem with a relationship and explores the possible reasons: another woman. It's not terrible but is sub-standard compared to the vast majority of the other tracks on Destiny Fulfilled.

Girl
The third cut released from the album and yet another Number One. A Sex In The City video detailing the woes of Kelly's love life works well and was carried over to the stage performance of the track for their farewell world tour. It is an upbeat song; catchy as hell and the girls are back on form.

Bad Habit
Just when you think the album has found its feet once more, this Kelly Rowland solo effort comes on and serves to let the listener know that she is, at times, the weakest link in the group. The song is a run of the mill Rn'B track and is destroyed by practically everything that Kelly has done on her solo records.

If
An acapella start to an old-school sounding piano and string ensemble introduces the listener to a new sound to the album. Michelle is on opening vocals and then it's Kelly, then Beyoncé then Michelle, then Kelly... It's a slow song without much musical accompaniment but the vocal attack coming from all angles gives the track the power that it needs to successfully convey the lyric about the realisation of the end of a relationship.

Free
Once the girls realise that the relationship is over, this sunny mid tempo song is all about the relief that comes along without getting out of it. There is no feeling like it, they sing to the ladies and I am sure that this song has gotten many people over heartbreak. After the brilliant bridge, there is a soft, sweet harmony that leads into a chorus reprise with more powerful vocals from Beyoncé; culmunating in her telling her ex that there is no way back.

Through With Love
A simple piano melody contrasts with a harsher beat, which proved to be a favourite amongst DC fans. Not only are the girls through with their no-good exes, they have had it with men full stop. Aggressive in places, desperate in others, the song goes through the whole range of emotions and you can connect to this. People say there is only one woman you can trust and that's your Mum; the only man that the girls can trust is God. When they reach this conclusion, the song takes on a more gospel vibe, growing and growing until Michelle steals the show with her affirming vocal.

Love
No sooner are they Through With Love, they are back in it and it is this that 'Love' is about. A mid tempo song with a lovely chorus and a wonderful bridge, the track is dedicated to the man in their life and details how he has made them change their mind about love.

Game Over (Bonus Track)
As well as being Game Over for Destiny's Child (the last song on their last studio album) the new Love referred to in the last song signals the end of the playing days for the girls themselves; with the Game being Over for all of the other men. It's another slow jam with a laid back groove. Beyoncé reigns in her vocal on this one and shows off a softer tone to her voice and everything comes together beautifully in the end.

Few bands enjoy the level of success and longevity that Destiny's Child did and arguably still do. They recently received their thoroughly-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and there is constant speculation as to whether or not they will get together one more time. During the Beyoncé Experience Tour that went with Ms. Knowles' sophomore album B'Day, there was in fact a reunion, allbeit far too brief. The girls have all gone on to verying degrees of success but when they come together and take the time to get it right (glossing over the latter half of 'Survivor'), amazing things happen. 'Destiny Fulfilled' is an album to rival 'The Writing's On The Wall' and has a slicker, more mature sound.

Beyoncé said in interview that it was recorded like an opera and so that every track follows on from the previous one and leads on to the next. You can see a story develop through the tracks, particularly the latter ones and few artists would put so much thought into a project. This album churned out number one after number one and could have quite easily provided the girls with a couple more. It's another album that you are going to have to buy!

Destiny's Child's Official Website: www.destinyschild.com

Terri Walker - L.O.V.E (2005)

This Is My Time
Using the same 'Adventures In The Land Of Music' sample as Angie Stone did on 'Lovers' Ghetto' from Stone Love, Walker turns in a feisty bass-heavy opening to her sophomore album. Terri is singing that it is her time to rise above those who criticise her and to hold the world within her hands. It's her time to shine and with this song, she really does.

L.O.V.E
The pace doesn't drop one little bit for song two, the bassline is heavy again, the lyric is fast and the song is catchy. Terri is asking for a little L, a little O and a little V, E from her partner. He makes her feel beautiful when he is with her and when he is not, she feels down and recognises that she can then begin to moan. The bridge is fantastic, Terri sings that she 'Ain't Too Proud To Beg' for the love that she wants and this is another good track.

Whoopsie Daisy
As quaint as the title is, the song is anything but. Harder than the first two songs, both in sound and vocal, this is sung directly at a would be suitor. Brass punches throughout the song, which is about Terri turning somebody down. She sings 'Whoopsie Daisy, I've been driving him crazy, Cos I look so tasty'... She makes no apologies for being so hot, just like the song, but makes it plain that nothing is going to happen by sending the boy home to his momma. The very end of the track, with the guitars is great.

Hurt By Love
The piano starts off this song, which does sound as though it is going to be a slower affair, until the vocal starts and the bass drops. The melody is slow but the lyric is fast and the bass returns to make the song a force to be reckoned with. This complements the lyric perfectly in that Terri is telling people who have been Hurt In Love not to hold on to the pain, to stand firm and say that they won't be victims anymore.

What The Hell
The first slow jam on the album, which has percussion and the piano for accompaniment. Walker is thinking What The Hell she is going to do without the love of her ex and the lyric explores this. Terri sounds as good reigning it in for this track as she has done belting out the earlier ones. The melody is beautiful and the song holds its own against the stronger tracks that come before it.

Slow It Up
This is one of my favourite songs on the album and has a completely different vibe to the earlier tracks. Almost reggae in style, the song is to someone to whom Terri gave her number and now they are all up telling everybody that they are together, calling her all of the time and generally coming on a bit too strong. Terri is telling them to Slow It Up or it's 'Bye, Bye, Bye'. The lyric is quick, distinctly British in places and this song tends to get repeated on my stereo.

Star
Another song, another style. It's a slow jam and a love song that will have you snapping your fingers and nodding your head. Terri likes Rioja wine, has some and makes a call to her man. She makes the call to her man 'with no hands', since he is far away and the mental call is her thinking about him. She tells him to, no matter where he is, to select a star and they will ride along the Milky Way together in her car. She is completely in love, separated from her lover, thinking about what they could do together and advises people in the same situation to do the same to help them get over the distance: 'Go inside your head and make them babies'. We get a rap from Walker about being startroopers in her Mini Cooper and a jazz solo wraps the whole thing up and makes this another solid track.

Ain't No Love
This song speeds up proceedings once more. Strings feature more heavily on this song that is to the person in Terri's life. He is the first thing on her mind when she wakes up, his love gives her shivers down her spine and is getting sweeter by the day. The song incorporates elements from 'I've Never Found Me A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)', which give the song its appeal, makes it as catchy as it is and make you want to hit the dance floor when this comes on.

The Woman You Want
The pace of the album drops to its slowest for 'The Woman You Want'. Terri sings softer and higher than she has so far, showing off greater range to her voice. The song is to her lover once again and is asking him how she can be The Woman He Wants when he won't talk to her and tell her what this is. Things have changed in the relationship, she can feel that things are not as good as they were, wants to address this and please her man but is getting nothing to work with. You sense her frustration and desperation when faced with the breakdown of her relationship and it is this that makes this song a success. Strings feature again. Her man (uncredited) does reply to say that it is just a phase; she does please him; there is, nor ever will be, anyone else. She doesn't haven't to do anything. The whole thing is packed with emotion and the happy ending makes this beautiful.

The One That Got Away
The pace picks up a little and the music is interesting for this. There is percussion but a repeated, haunting, stuttered electonic sound is the main feature. Terri sings over this about an ex telling her that he has met somebody else, who just might be the one. This cuts Walker 'like a knife' as she had taken it for granted that he would always be around for her. She asks herself how she could have let him be The One That Got Away saying, in a muted vocal during the pre-chorus, that it should have been her taking his name but now she is left out in the cold. The melody is beautiful and, by placing this track towards the end of the album and after 'Woman You Want', the affection that we now have for Ms. Walker gives the song a greater impact.

Feel Love
This is another slow jam, that winds up a little and has a bassline comparable to the opening tracks. Terri Feels Love when she is around the person she sings to, who is deserving of her one of a kind love. There is a sond similar to the baby crying in Aaliyah's 'Are You That Somebody?' that repeats throughout the track, whose soft vocal is in direct contrast to the hard bassline.

Yes I Do
The last song on the album is an out and out love song. The bass guitar is pronounced and accompanied by guitars, strings, keyboards, percussion and a more prominent backing vocal. From this moment on, Terri gives herself to her partner and the repeated 'Yes I Do' hits this point home. They are going to be together for the rest of their lives and I think it genius to place this song about a new beginning at the end of the album. Everything is new, she is looking forward to things to come; which, as a listener, you are too. This is a great album.

'Untitled' was Terri's first album and tracks such as 'Four Feet Under' and 'Love Fool' got her noticed but 'L.O.V.E' earned critiques such as, 'Sexy, Sassy, Soulful and Sophisticated, L.O.V.E is arguably one of the best UK R&B albums of recent years' (Mojo) and 'Forget about pretenders, there's no UK soul artist with the humour and confidence of Terri Walker, just watch her become a superstar' (Touch). Sadly this was not to be as, following on from this album, Terri left her record label to sign with a smaller independent label and her follow up album 'I Am' completely passed a lot of people by. This is such a shame as this is such a good album. You must go out and buy this!

Dannii Minogue - Club Disco (2008)

Touch Me Like That with Jason Nevins
This track does not stop! The bass pounds from the very onset, the lyric is fast and the sample of Sylvester James' disco smash 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' is clubbed up for the noughties. The video is sassy, drawing inspiration from the Scissor Sisters; sticking Mickey Mouse ears on PVC-clad lady friends and setting the whole thing in outer space. Jason Nevins twiddles the dance floor and Dannii smears flourescent lipstick all over her face wearing a red wig that belonged to the one and only Joan Collins. Seriously. The song came from nowhere in a matter of weeks and, with little promotion during Christmas sales, didn't go very far but, make no mistake, this is a good song.

Feel Like I Do (JCA Remix)
The piano, over a sweeping electronic sound, leads up to Dannii singing the song title before the beat drops on this uncompromising dance track. The lyrics are fast and there's a lot going on in the background but everything stops for a brief pause for a short bridge, where Dannii sounds great. As the album title would suggest, this is a song for the clubs or for a summer's day, in the car with the top down and the pedal to the metal.

Perfection with Soulseekerz (12" Mix)
Perfection is not one of my favourite Dannii singles, although the combat-inspired dance routine for the performance for this was great. The song does have a blinding beat with rolling bass drums, which do get more of an outing in this extended mix. The pre-chorus is my favourite part of the song, I love the way it builds up to the actual chorus, which will find its way into your brain, like it or not.

You Won't Forget About Me with Flower Power
I love You Won't About Me. The vocal that Dannii recorded over Flower Power is a match made in heaven. I love the strings and the high vocal (not usually Dannii's forté), which Ms. Minogue confirms makes this one of the hardest songs for her to sing. The video too is great and has a fantastic concept. So far, all of the tracks have been summer party tracks and this can only be a good thing.

Love Fight
This track is like Marmite. You either love it or hate it. The majority of people seem to be in the 'love it' camp, though I fall into the latter category. There is just too much going on in this that, for me, the song fails to gel and sounds disjointed. Dannii does write a mean lyric, however and 'Heavy petting always makes me feel Like I'm Lois with the Man of Steel' is something that you don't hear everyday.

I'm Sorry
This song starts of with a whisper and the slow vocal builds with pace and power until the brilliant chorus. Dannii sounds on top form for this Roger Sanchez track about ending a relationship with somebody that doesn't want it to finish. It peaks and troughs and leaves you wanting for more. Where Dannii asks 'How could I cause you pain?' is pure brilliance and this is another track that could easily have provided Dannii with her first Number One had her record company had the foresight to give it, as well as several other tracks, a physical release.

Gone
Gone is another example of what Dannii can do. The dance beat is there but a raw lyric and vocal performance add another dimension to this song. Dannii is Gone on the love of somebody who leaves her 'Begging for bones like a dog'. The song talks about being on the wrong side of love and Dannii's voice sounds desperate in places. This song is one of the best things Dannii has recorded and there are rumours that this was going to be picked up by radio had this been given a chance. Get this!

So Under Pressure (Album Version)
The single release from 'The Hits and Beyond' and one of Dannii's best. The video is simple, with a monochrome colour scheme but looks slick as hell. The song is for venting all of your frustration to and the inspiration behind it was her sister Kylie's illness and how the press targeted Dannii for the latest news. The music, intentionally, is opressive but enjoyable at the same time and nothing like you have heard before. Fantastic.

Good Times (Forty Four's 7" Mix)
The weaker of the 'Beyond' tracks but a good song nonetheless. The Forty Four's Mix is an improvement on the original, making the song edgier with more emphasis on the bass. Brass accompanies the upbeat chorus where Dannii has a high vocal singing about how alive she feels with the person with whom she has shared so many good times.

Sunrise
This is a seriously good song! Sounding a little like 'Straight Ahead' by Tube & Berger Feat. Chrissie Hynde, this is a dance floor filler, with a sexy rythm. You can see the video now: Dannii, in Ibiza, on the club stage, belting this out. The bridge comes in, the roof goes back, the sun comes up and the crowd go wild! The song is about a night out where the girls and the boys are checking eachother. Dannii is going to take everyone right through to Sunrise and encouraging people to get it on and to keep it up... Electric guitars feature heavy on this, which combine excellently with the thumping beat.

He's The Greatest Dancer (LMC Radio Edit)
Released in Spain as a single which went Top 10 and stayed in the charts for well over a year, this was another song that was due to see an international release and then didn't. Dannii performed this live on Children In Need, a massive TV charity event in the UK and remixes of the song were cropping up in the Radio One shows of Pete Tong, the man responsible for hooking Dannii up with Riva for 'Who Do You Love Now? (Stringer)'. The song is pure disco and a cover of the Sister Sledge 1979 original (written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rogers).

I Can't Sleep At Night
It is unbelieveable that this album contains so many almost-rans. This song was also due for release and had a video made and was then shelved, released only digitally, with no promotion. Consequently, the song failed to achieve exactly what it could have. 'Club Disco' is the perfect way to describe the sound. The song talks about Dannii not being able to sleep on her own as she is 'Not good at being lonely'. Like many of the tracks, the song is relentless when it starts and this is another absolute tune!

I Will Come To You
I Will Come To You is a complete change in sound, with a trancy soundtrack to a fast lyric. Dannii is loving at a distance (by choice) and is telling her lover that since he is her 'home and home is where the heart is', she will come to him in his dreams. All he has to do is close his eyes and hold on to said dream. It's not an immediate hit but has some good moments and is utterly enjoyable.

I've Been Waiting For You
Nineties dance is the style of this, think the pianos of Alison Limerick's anthem 'Where Love Lives' and you are not far off. The chorus can get a little repetitive but the verses and, in particular the bridge, more than break this up. Once again, it is not a stand out track but certainly has its charms. Well worth a listen.

Round The World
A more urban sound is given to Round The World that has earned the song quite a few fans. 'I need you now at the tip of my finger, your body's gone but your kisses linger' is the lyric that continues to describe the love that Dannii and her suitor make is like travelling Round The World without moving. It sits nicely on the album and is better than I Will Come To You and I've Been Waiting For you but, given the phenomenal start to the album, it lacks a little something to make the track stand out.

Do You Believe Me Now?
Only available on the digital release of the album and not the Australian double CD format (at the request of Roger Sanchez, whose vocal features). It is criminal that this outstanding song has not been released and stormed to the top of the charts around the globe. There is a vulnerability in Dannii's voice on this track, similar to that of 'Gone', that sends shivers down your spine. Violins provide the introduction to the vocal, accompanied by lone keyboard notes. The touching lyric gathers a little pace and the beat drops in time for the chorus that will go round and round your head. The song commands to be listened to and you will be caught up in the sentiment of it. For a dance track, this is no mean feat. Everything strips back for the bridge, only to come back stronger than before. Ten out of ten!

Xanadu
A cover of the Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton-John classic, who Dannii walked to Beijing with for her cancer charity of which Dannii is now a patron. This is a chilled out version of the song that Dannii performed a dance version of on Australian TV and live at the last G-A-Y at Heaven. Another song that was to be released, only for the plans not to come to fruition. This song is a departure from the rest of the album but an interesting choice for a cover. The song is slow, Dannii sounds great and you can't help but like this.

You Won't Forget About Me (Afterlife Lounge Mix Edit)
The first of two remixes from Afterlife, who Dannii recorded 'Take Me Inside' with. With a similar sound to 'Xanadu' and the version of 'More, More, More' that Dannii recorded for Hed Kandi two years ago, this strips back and winds down the Top Ten smash that features earlier on in the album. The slower choruses add to the track, rather than take away and the instrumentation winds the album down nicely.

I Can't Sleep At Night (Afterlife Lounge Mix)
Picking up from 'You Won't Forget About Me', this remix follows in a similar vain and rounds things off perfectly. 'I Can't Sleep At Night' works just as well, if not better than its predecessor, though takes a little longer to be as enjoyable. The sound is acoustic and shows that Dannii can more than hold a tune and deserves to still be in the business after three decades.

I am not sure what has gone wrong for Dannii at All Around the World. The record company that house such atrocities as Scooter and Cascada believe, in their wisdom, that Dannii is best recording a vocal over a banging, established dance tune. Whilst 'Who Do You Love Now' and 'You Won't Forget About Me' are examples that Dannii can work this format, 'Perfection' is a step too far and the style is fast losing its appeal. The highlights on this album are the tracks that Dannii wrote herself, the ones that were to be released but then weren't for one reason or another. There are consequently two sides to this album, the sheer brilliance and originality of most of it, coupled with the frustration that this could have been so much bigger. As Dannii herself says, she doesn't dwell on the past and, recent Twitter pictures showing her in the studio mean that this will not be the last that we hear out of the younger Minogue. She shows no signs of stopping, even though she is expecting her first child with Kris Smith in July; currently judging the fourth series of Australia's Got Talent, starring in the latest Marks & Spencer advertisements, launching her latest clothing line, 'Project D' and making it very clear that she wants to be back on the judging panel for this year's X Factor to continue to fly the Team Minogue flag. Some argue that she needs to let the judging go this year, head back to the X Factor as a performer and show Cheryl Tweedy (then Cole) a trick or two. I for one really hope this happens.

Dannii Minogue's Official Website: www.danniimusic.com

Keyshia Cole - The Way It Is (2005)

(I Just Want It) To Be Over
Rolling kettle drums and punchy brass start off the first track from the debut album from Keyshia Cole. Cole is remembering a time when the relationship that she is in was good and her man used to make all the right moves but now realises that neither one of them want it to continue. Her man is acting as though he doesn't care and she doesn't want to love him any more, doesn't want to need him, just wants to leave him and for it To Be Over. Cole's voice in the pre-chorus is where she showcases its power.

Changed My Mind
Cole in the introduction dedicates this song to somebody who knows who he is. Kayne West features, though his contribution is limited to introducing himself and a few 'stops' towards the end. This has a sound that is more street than To Be Over. The lyric is quicker and the accompaniment is pure percussion with hand claps. The song is not sang in the first person but from the perspective of an onlooker recounting the feelings of the couple in question. The girl is doing everything she can to make the relationship work, though the man shows no love and takes her for granted. The girl decides that she's Changed Her Mind. She no longer loves her former partner and won't have any more of her time wasted. The harmonica accompanies the bridge, which leads to a superb ending where the lyric quickens even more and asks the now ex, how he feels to have lost out. The sample of 'Get Out Of My Life, Women' is incorporated to excellent effect and flipped towards men this time around.

Love, I Thought You Had My Back
Track three has a softer sound, more instrumentation and a similar message to the first two tracks. The bassline stops the song from venturing into slow jam territory but the sound is less raw than To Be Over and Changed My Mind; as though Keyshia is moving on from the immediacy of the two earlier tracks. She still misses the partner that she thought was the one but realises that she has to move on and recognises that she was wrong when she thought Love had her back this time. The end of the song has a spoken vocal about making good decisions, knowing your focus and, if love is your focus, you need to pay attention.

I Should Have Cheated
A track so good that it features on both 'The Way It Is' and Cole's second album: 'Just Like You'. This song is most definitely a slow jam but, far from being a love song, this is about taking stock of a relationship and looking at it objectively. Despite hearing gossip about her partner, Keyshia gives him the benefit of the doubt and trusts him completely. He, on the other hand, questions her every action, accuses her of sneaking out, cheating on him and lying. The man is told in no uncertain terms that he needs to change his ways or she is out of there.

Guess What? feat. Jadakiss
The pace is picked up for 'Guess What?'. A heavier bassline, punctuated with snappy brass and a fast lyric put the rhetorical question to her partner. The answer is that she is leaving Jadakiss, the featured rap artist. Keyshia is throwing her man out of their house for cheating and generally letting her down. She realises that she has been stupid during their time together and is putting an end to it. Far from being upset, Jadakiss says that he doesn't care, he'll give her her keys back but asks for everything that he bought her back in return. He says he is being a man by going out and sleeping around and, unsurprisingly, this does him no favours and he is shown the door.

Love
Strings strip back to a simple drum beat and a bass guitar melody that compliment Cole's voice great. Cole sings about questioning her self worth since her lover has been cheating on her. The chorus could be said to be about the good things about being in love, about being thankful for finding the one only for the second verse to progress into a song about not being able to go on should this end. Cole's voice is emotionally charged for 'Love' and begs her partner not to leave her on her own.

You've Changed
This song starts with and continues with elements of 'Sounds Like A Love Song' by Bobby Glen. Cole speaks over the introduction, saying, 'I already heard your side of the story, hear mine. I'm gonna tell you why. Cos you changed. You got dumb. No, you listen'. She continues to sing directly to her partner that swept her off her feet the day that they met. He was full of charm, she had butterflies and was filled with first date nerves: Happy; reflected in the beat of the song. The charm soon ends and he is constantly leaving her own her own, up to who knows what. Cole won't sit at home and wait for him to put in an appearance and tells him of her concerns but his response is to act as though he doesn't care. The very end of the song speeds up to hit her arguement home and sounds fantastic.

We Could Be
Keyshia is asking whether she can talk to her baby for a minute. She feels that he is the one and can see them spending the rest of the their lives together, if he would only treat her right and they could be friends. The vocal on this is great. Exposed. Irregular. Almost as though Cole is struggling to get out what she wants to say. The song is low, slow, inspite of the fast vocal, and strings, guitars and the piano accompany the whole affair.

Situations feat. Chink Santana
A return to the style of the earlier tracks; with a darker, more confident edge. The song starts off by stating that 'She can't love you, like I love you'. Keyshia calls herself the 'real thing' and knows that, although this man is not hers, she should be his girl. She needs this man and nothing will stop her from getting him. She is putting it on a plate for him and dissing his current girlfriend. Given the fact that Keyshia has been on the receiving end of this treatment at the start of the album, it is interesting that she then instigates this towards the end. She has Chink Santana playing his girlfriend and shows no remorse. This does make me question why and this is the success of the song. I am questioning as to whether or not I condone this kind of action and am being forced to put myself into both the cheater and the person cheating's shoes. If you want something, you have to go for it, but at what cost? The earlier tracks bring the fall out of having an affair home and the fact that I find myself stopping and asking what the hell is going can only be a good thing.

Down And Dirty
Both Keyshia and the man she is singing to want to get Down And Dirty and she is asking him to play the game her way. This is a slow jam, with a repeated string melody over percussion. It is not the strongest track on the album but is a welcome follow up to 'Situations'.

Superstar feat. Metro City
This song sounds a little more street and Metro City sound great both independently and when they harmonise with Keyshia. They are singing to each other, saying that the other is like a Superstar, looking as good as anyone on the big screen or the cover of a magazine. Strings feature heavily on the song, with a heavier bassline than the last few tracks. This is one for the bedroom and I like this a lot.

Never feat. Eve
A reworking of the Luther Vandross classic and featuring some of the original vocal. This is a funky finish to the album and lifts the mood on what has been an album that has explored some of the darker sides of relationships. As well as Eve's rap, Keyshia adds new elements to the track, elements that make it fit in with the rest of 'The Way It Is'. She raises the tempo as well as the bass and this makes you want to hit the floor.

Love (Live AOL Session) (Bonus Track)
Listed as the second bonus track, this one actually appears first and is a live version of 'Love'. The difference is negligible, showing the talent of Keyshia in that live, she sounds exactly the same as she does in the studio.

Changed My Mind feat. Shyne (Bonus Track)
Shyne's rap does little to improve the original version of the song, which is the same except for his additional vocal. I prefer the original.

The first album from Keyshia Cole is brilliant. It is dark in places and the artwork is equally raw and graphic but love isn't all roses and someone needs to tell it as it is. Step forward Keyshia Cole. She turns in an on point debut, that sounds as good today as it did five years ago when it was first released. The songs are more Rn'B in style but more soulful in lyric, in spite of them being to the point. The lyric rivals the music and, when listened to as a collection, the album is provocative and makes the listener think. Keyshia is not simply slagging off men, but recognises that, even when you are in a bad situation and know it, it is easier said than done to put an end to it rather than endure. People will be able to identify with this and will hopefully get the hint that only good can come from distancing yourself from negativity. The songs have no airs or graces, no hidden messages, they are up front and easy to connect to. They are real. 'The Way It Is' comes recommended.

Keyshia Cole's Official Website: www.keyshiacole.com

Raphael Saadiq - The Way I See It (2008)

Sure Hope You Mean It
The moment this song came on, I was sure that this was going to be a brilliant album. The volume went up and up and by the end of the introductory chorus, I was already Ooh, Ooh ing along with Raphael. The sound all through the album is a modern twist on old school Soul/Mowtown/Blues/Jazz: It's good and this is a great opening track.

100 Yard Dash
The lead single from the album with a pretty impressive video that shows the 'Vixen' that Raphael is trying to get away from in vain as he has heard that she can have quite an effect on poor unsuspecting young men! It all goes to pot and he caves to temptation but this is another upbeat track that everybody I have played it for absolutely loves.

Keep Marchin'
The tone on the third track remains upbeat and is about dusting yourself off and trying again when things do not go your way. No matter how bad things are and no matter how hard it is, you have to 'Keep Marchin''. It's another great track, which paves the way for the superb:

Big Easy with Special Guest 'The Infamous Young Spodie and the ReBirth Brass Band'
This is another fast-paced song that has a distinctly Southern feel to it with all of the hand claps, though the lyric is tragic. The tragedy in question being the recent devestation in New Orleans caused by Hurricane Katrina. In the song, Raphael sings from the perspective of somebody that has lost their partner in the floods, though the sound turns it into a celebration of everybody that was lost when the levées broke. If you are listening to the Euro Version of the track, you'll be clapping your hands before Saadiq tells you, just like the people of New Orleans would do (Saadiq's words). You can't help but get caught up in this song. You feel the desperation of the central character and this does make you stop and think.

Just One Kiss feat. Joss Stone
It is hard to pick a favourite on an album of consistently brilliant tracks, though this song may have it by a nose. The old school sound is there with the guitar providing the main accompaniment, though swirling strings come in just before the choruses that sing how just one kiss can change your life. Joss Stone is on fire on this track and at the very end of the track you could be forgiven for thinking that you were listening to Aretha Franklin. In Mary J. Blige's Itunes Originals set, she comments that she doesn't think that we will hear another Aretha in her lifetime and every time I hear this, I think that she is mistaken and I wish that these two would hook up. I digress. This is a fantastic song and so far, Raphael hasn't put a foot wrong.

Love That Girl
Percussion and the bass guitar start off this song that is about a particular lady who is more than a hit with the fellas and how, since Raphael is with her, he will endeavour to be better than the rest. He knows that he is on to a good thing and can't believe his luck. With the introduction of strings after a spoken section, the song builds to reflect just how good Raphael feels and this is another pleaser.

Calling
The flamenco guitar and Spanish introduction from Rocio Mendoza set a different tone to this song, which has a more sombre feel to it. The song is about how the Spanish female no longer wants to be with Raphael and won't answer his calls and sounds a little like 'Tears On My Pillow'.

Staying In Love
The introduction to this song winds up the music to a pace similar to that pre-'Calling'. A fantastic, almost collaborative performance between Raphael as the lead and himself as support, singing over eachother. Joss Stone makes another appearance, this time on backing vocals. The message is that, whilst falling in love is easy it is the staying in love that is the tricky part.

Oh Girl
Cue another pace change somewhere half way between 'Calling' and the previous tracks, with a slower vocal that showcases a smooth-sounding Saadiq. The subject matter is again how the lady in his life has changed his life and how he is going to raise his game so as to make her proud and not to let her down.

Let's Take A Walk
With a similar-sounding introduction to 'Love That Girl' you think that you know what to expect from this, then the electric guitar comes in and throws you off track, quickly followed by Raphael's vocal and a total change in sound. A steady beat and some jazzy backing vocals from Erica Jerry make this a sexy track that gets a little hotter on listening to the lyric. There is a reason that Saadiq wants to 'go for a walk'....

Never Give You Up feat. Stevie Wonder and CJ Hilton
CJ Hilton kicks off this track that sounds almost orchestral during the choruses compared to the percussion-driven verses. With strings-a-plenty (particularly on this track) and harps all over the album, there is a touch of class to the whole affair. Stevie Wonder has an official introduction and a harmonica solo, adding to the Southern flavour of the track about recognising that the lady in their life is the best and that they will never give her up.

Sometimes
Strings are out in force for this track with a more grimy, contemporary sound to the rest of the album. The hip hop beat and strings couple eachother perfectly and reflect the lyric about how the world can be cold sometimes but amongst all of the betrayal, back-stabbing and outright strangeness, there is beauty and forces in your life that will help you through.

Oh Girl feat. Jay-Z
Jay-Z raps the introduction for this reprise of Track Nine, as well as ad-libbing over the choruses. The pace of the rap is a little different to what Jay-Z normally does and helps the listener ease themselves into the track that can get lost on first listen, when it is surrounded by faster songs which have a more immediate effect. You will welcome the second chance at the song and you will get more out of it this time around.

With his third solo release (Instant Vintage and Ray Ray reviews to follow), Raphael has made nothing short of a brilliant album. Easily a contender for record of the year, if not record of the noughties. It is rare for me to fall in love with an album on the very first listen but the three second introduction to 'Sure Hope You Mean It' had me sold on this. Two years on, the album is still on regular rotation in my car and everybody who has been a passenger has absolutely loved it. Everybody. I cannot recommend this album enough and would also suggest that you check out Raphael Saadiq: Live At The Artists Den.

Raphael Saadiq's Official Website: www.raphaelsaadiq.com

Rihanna - Rated R (2009)

Madhouse
A Thriller-esque spoken introduction encouraging those who do not think that they can take it to turn away from the Madhouse. Rihanna then invites you in amongst a chorus of ahs and nahs. Unecessary.

Wait Your Turn
A similar electronic sound to Madhouse introduces us to this single release. The vocal is a lot harder and, with the language that Rihanna uses, we are made very aware of the fact that this album is going to be like nothing she has released before. Her Barbadian accent is exaggerated for the verses but the choruses are more subtle, more catchy and more enjoyable. This could easily have been the first track of the album, without the need for Madhouse. The eye patch in the video is somewhat questionable but this is a good, hard song. Speaking of hard....

Hard feat. Jeezy
Another release from the album and another song with choice lyrics. The Barbadian tone is there once more but this is grittier than Wait Your Turn. The video in which Rihanna is firing machine guns and driving tanks underlines this. The sound is quite rocky, with grating electronic sounds and harsh piano notes. It takes a few listens to get into this. Jeezy's rap helps, along with the vocal that it gives way to, where Rihanna asks where everybody is at.

Stupid In Love
A welcome respite to Hard, Stupid In Love is a ballad with a soft vocal, deep lyrics but a disappointing chorus. The verses are very vivid, no doubt influenced by Rihanna's personal experiences but the repetitive chorus steals away from this rather than building on it. The message that the song has, despite the events that it documents, does have light at the end of the tunnel. There comes a realisation that rather than being her that is stupid, it is the other person that has done nothing but bad.

ROCKSTAR 101 feat. Slash
The title and featured artist give away the direction of this track. The cursing is back in a mid paced vocal over what becomes a fast sound. This song is quick becoming a favourite of Rated R and I would love to see this get a release. The lyric is about Rihanna being a Rockstar and the fact that she sleeps all day and goes all night. The bridge hints at a softer sound, which is short-lived before the guitars and drums drop again.

Russian Roulette
The lead single from the album and an absolutley fantastic song that went to the top of the charts in numerous countries. The electric guitar provides the introduction with drums dropping only after we here a gun chamber revolving and Rihanna heavy breathing. Rihanna is caught up in a game of Russian Roulette and the song gives us an insight into her state of mind and how terrified she is at the prospect of losing. The chorus is very powerful, as is the video clip and the song is a must have. Rihanna sounds great.

Fire Bomb
Fire Bomb is even more rocky than Rockstar and could easily feature on a Bon Jovi or P!nk album. Once the vocal comes in, the music drops to a quiet drum beat and a piano melody. The electric guitars are back for the chorus but grate during their solos. A nice touch is the sound of a fire burning at the very end of the track, though this is not one of my favourites.

Rude Boy
The video for this song is the best that I have seen in a very long time and this latest realease from Rated R is currently sat at Number Two in UK charts. I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't climb to the top spot, where it deserves to be. The vibe is summer, the electronic sounds are just like that of the steel drums and the drum beat is a real head nodder. I love this song!!

Photographs feat. Will.i.am
The acoustic guitar introduces us to this collaboration with Will.i.am. Back are the soft vocals, sung quite fast over what is minimal accompaniment. The beat doesn't drop until after the first chorus but when it does, we know we are on to a winner. The lyric describes how that all that is left of an old relationship is photographs and how they are not worth anything without the former partner. Everything stops after what can be described as a virginal bridge, only for the sound to change completely for Will.i.am's rap. The backing for this is straight up The E.N.D. This is another good track.

G4L
Weird is the introduction to this song. The vocal is fast, low and starts and ends with 'I lick the gun when I'm done cos I know that revenge is sweet'. The song is dark and G4L stands for Gangster For Life. It's another track that needs a few listens and the jury is still out on this one.

Te Amo
The Barbadian sound features once more in both the lyric and music. Sang in the first person, the song is about a female lover than ends things with the protagonist, telling her Te Amo. The singer is asking what this means, correctly assuming that it means I love you. I like this.

Cold Case Love
The organ provides the only backing for the track, with a slower pace and smoother vocal. The chorus makes the song and, as it progresses, more and more instrumentation joins in: drums, piano, strings and finger snaps. The sound is almost orchestral, though the street element comes back with the final part of the song being beat boxed. The lyric is to a former partner whose 'love was breaking the law but I needed a witness'. This is a good and will have you thinking.

The Last Song
This is the only song, despite the subject matter of various other tracks, that Rihanna has gone on the record to say deals with her turbulent relationship with Chris Brown. It's another slow song, with little accompaniment at the beginning. The song is about the ending of a relationship and how, giving up on real love means that they may never experience it again. Despite the goings on with the two of them, Rihanna sings about not regretting anything and that she would do it all again. Rihanna seems to have made a new friend in the electric guitar and the instrument pops up again on this track. The vocal is on the money and it's another song that will have you thinking long after it has ended: the perfect finish to a solid album.

Rihanna has come a long way from her debut and so much has happened to her that this was bound to come across in her music. Fans have asked, and Rihanna has promised, that her next release be more similar to 'Good Girl Gone Bad', which is a shame as Rihanna has proven that, when given the freedom to record the kind of music that she wants, she is capable of turning in some truly remarkable material. Russian Roulette is one of the most original songs that I have heard in a long time and, although some of the album may be a little out there for my taste, it is a good thing that she is pushing both herself and the listener. With a few more plays, I am sure (as has been the case so far) that the songs that are a bit harder to digest will be finding their way into my playlists and establishing themselves as songs of choice. I would hate for her to take a backwards step at this point when it seems that, by taking a giant leap forward, she hasn't put her foot wrong. On the contrary, Rated R is a brilliant album, all be it edgy and dark in places. The darkness is countered by songs such as Rude Boy and this is well-deserving of a purchase.

Rihanna's Official Website: www.rihannanow.com