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Released: 10th November 2003.

With her debut album, "Footprints", Holly Valance drew inevitable comparisons with fellow Neighbours graduate Kylie Minogue, for the sexuality of the imagery, videos and music. This release references Minogue more in style and content, rather than in how much flesh is being bared.

The title track is an adventurous foray into the world of electroclash and dance, abandonning the Turkish pop of yesteryear. "State Of Mind" sounds more like the tune Kylie should have released as a comeback in a logical progression from "Fever".

Squelchy synths, 1980s beats and sexy vocals are the order of the day. "Everything I Hate" borrows heavily from the Girls Aloud album track "All I Need", which itself contains influence of electro-funk star Cameo. The poppy "Over 'n Out" sees Valance in her element, on the breathy, trashy disco number.

The album is consistent, filler-free and comfortably grounded in the decadent club formula. You may find yourself needing space to breathe, as the incessant grooves can be slightly overwhelming.

Points to Holly Valance for coming out with something fresh, rather than opting for the safe, commerical and overcrowded R&B route.

(tripthestation)

Holly Valance is one of the most eye-catching popstars of the moment, but having originated from the same place as Kylie and Dannii, where's the suprise? Can she live up to the hype though?

"State Of Mind", the first single and a definite stand out track, is a good example of what to expect from the album.

Although a weak start lets it down, "Desire" builds into a frenzied 80s festival and has "huge hit" written all over it. "Everything I Hate" also bears an 80s influence, while the wierdly titled but nice "Ricochets" is more of a down-tempo.

The album tends to blend into one, with most tracks using the same recycled 80s sound and the remarkably dated keyobard production.

The ultimate high point of the album is "Somebody Out There", as its catchy chorus makes it one of the more memorable tracks from this mish-mash of an album. The ultimate stinker title goes to "Tounge Tied", a track well after its sell-by date.

"State Of Mind" might have been more interesting with a few more different styles on it, yet the dominant dated sound, while risky, might work very well.

(Twixy)

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