Singles reviews - 30th August 2004

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Singles released w/c 30th August 2004

DJ Shog - Another World
DJ Shog, known for "This Is My Sound" from 2002, is back with another trance song. Comparing this to his debut effort, I can say there's been no real progress. "Another World" is nothing more than thousands of other trance tracks we've all heard before, and a poor one at that. The only interesting thing about this tune is it use of those "Ohs" from Nelly's "Dilemma", but otherwise this is just dull and boring.
(Ilya Khorkov)

Easyworld - How Did It Ever Come To This?
Just before Easyworld released their second 'proper' album in February, I speculated it would be the album of the year. When it arrived, I was very disappointed. Having ditched the spectacular Ash-like power-pop songs in favour of ballads, their fanbase was split - some loved the new direction, others like me hated it. So expectations were not high when I heard they'd recorded a brand new single, but all doubts were blown away on first listen. It's not quite back to the standard of their earlier stuff, but it's not far off. Four stars for the song, and an extra one for restoring my faith in them.
(John M)

Embrace - Gravity
The wait is over. Embrace are back, and here's the first release from their forthcoming fifth album "Out Of Nothing", their first since their greatest hits two years ago. This time they've been tipped for huge things, with obvious similarities to current album favourites Keane and Snow Patrol. Going back to basics, Embrace are as laid-back, smooth and British as ever with this sultry offering. It's up there with such classic gems as "You're Not Alone" and "Come Back To What You Know". All we need now are some real rock tracks like "Save Me" and "My Weakness Is None Of Your Business" and we'll be laughing!
(SholasBoy)
At first, I thought this was a poor come-back for Embrace. However, I'm now absolutely loving this track. "Gravity" sounds a lot like Coldplay, it must be said, but that's no bad thing. Chilled, classy and beautifully sung, this is just how all good alternative music should be. This looks certain to be a big hit, and provides a powerful end to the summer.
(Mizaria)

Darren Hayes - Pop!ular
Darren Hayes is back with the follow up to his flopped debut solo album "Spin". Pop!ular" is the first single from the forthcoming album, and it's easy to see why this was chosen. It's a thousand times better than his previous work, and although it may be more electronic and dancey, it's still a pop track. The lyrics are about everyone's desire to be popular, and with material like this, Mr Hayes should be able to fulfil his.
(Ilya Khorkov)

JoJo - Leave (Get Out)
Having had huge success in the USA, JoJo is hoping to make a similar impact on the British public. The good news is she probably will, because "Leave (Get Out)" is just incredibly contagious! The backing vocals fit really well, and add an extra sound to the song. It may only be her debut single, but this has a good chance of reaching the No. 1 spot. On top of that, the meaningful lyrics make it sound like JoJo's been through a lot - but she's only 13-years-old!
(Alan James)

Nelly - My Place / Flap Your Wings
Wo Nelly! He's back, and while some might say he's the most annoying rapper out there, others flock to buy his records in their millions. Nelly's always had two distinct styles, i.e. his pop ballads and his club joints, and what better way to mark his return than with one of each. This double A-Side includes the Neptunes-produced "Flap Your Wings" with Pharrell Williams, and the Jaheim featured "My Place" (aka "Dilemma Part II"). Lifted from two new Nelly albums - the funky "Sweat" and the laid-back "Suit" - there's something for every Nelly fan on this single.
(SholasBoy)
Nelly's ambitious forthcoming double album begins with this double A-Side single, featuring a track from each album. "Flap Your Wings" is the lead from "Sweat" and it's pretty poor - easily his least credible release to date, with an ugly backing and childish lyrics. "My Place", from the "Suit" album, however, is much better. In the vein of "Dilemma", this mid-tempo ballad duly ranks highly amongst his previous material.
(Muzikritik)

The Pirates feat. Enya, Shola Ama & Naila Boss - You Should Really Know
Following the success of Frankee's take on Eamon's "F**k It", The Pirates release their debut single "You Should Really Know", an answer back to Mario Winan's chart topper "I Don't Wanna Know". It's one of a few different versions floating around, but the Pirates' - helped by the UK's finest, Naila Boss and Shola Ama - is certainly the best. While Shola's soothing voice proves she's still the best in the game, the choice of song is a little too unoriginal for my liking. Naila Boss's rap isn't outstanding, and overall, it doesn't really add much to Mario's version. Still, Shola Ama's back, and hopefully this time it's for good.
(SholasBoy)
This is more a case of 'capitalising on a recognisable Winans tune' than 'answer back to Winans a la Frankee'. Having said that, this is way better than Mario Winans' poor attempt at sampling the (previously sampled by the Fugees) Enya track. It uses more layers, Indian drums, humming, and Shola Ama sounds very nice indeed. Give it a listen at least a couple of times and I'm sure you'll love it.
(Simy Prakash)

Pop! - Can't Say Goodbye
Pop! follow on from the brilliant debut single "Heaven & Earth" with this catchy cheesy pop song. Its a brilliant song and the remixes are fantastic. If you thought "Heaven & Earth" was good, you'll love this. Brilliant.
(conor123)
Hailed as the saviours of British pop, Pop! burst onto the scene earlier this year with their debut single "Heaven And Earth". It popped up everywhere, dominating video channel The Box, but then failed to chart well. Their new single is every bit as good as the first - it's catchy, dancey and fun. However, with a lot less promotion and airplay, you can't help wondering how badly this is going to do. It's a shame, because if Steps were singing the same song a few years back, it could have been a third No. 1 for them. What Pop! need is something to really establish them, or they'll follow wannabes Scooch down the pop toilet.
(king_oxymoron)
What can be said about the second single from Pete Waterman's latest pop band? Well, the song is a carbon copy of their debut "Heaven And Earth" - the lyrics are cheesy, the vocals are similar to others we've heard a million times before, and who knows where the music's gone. On the other hand, they're not the worst pop project of all time. Anyone remember the Vengaboys or the Fast Food Rockers?
(Ilya Khorkov)

Twista feat. Anthony Hamilton - Sunshine
Sampling Bill Withers' "Lovely Day" for his third hit, Twista's "Sunshine" cries of summer (not that we've had much of it this year), and this makes it stand out immediately. Unfortunately though, the song lacks a killer chorus to tie it up, and as such it drifts along sounding unfinished.
(Paul Matthews)

Ultrabeat - Better Than Life
The same formula that was used on their previous two tracks could give Mike DiScala, Ian Redman and Chris Henry another chartbreaker. "Better Than Life" is a very dynamic, summery trance record, very similar to "Pretty Green Eyes". As ever, Mike's strong vocals help make this track stand out from hundreds of other trance records. Hopefully it will be another Top 10 hit for the trio, as "Better Than Life" deserves it.
(Ilya Khorkov)
This time last year, "Pretty Green Eyes" was flying off the shelves, so can Ultrabeat live up to the success of that with their new single? I don't think so. It could go Top 10, but I doubt it'll be a big success as there's so much competition from other artists at the moment. The tune's quite repetitive, but it has a high feel good factor, and may well get you dancing. It's not quite the song of the summer though.
(Alan James)

Armand Van Helden - My My My
A real house anthem, which is interesting, coming from the guy who doesn't like house music. This song really is great though, and I like it as much as Eric Prydz's hot forthcoming house release "Call On Me". This is much better than Armand Van Helden's last single "Hear My Name", and whilst this is unlikely to become his biggest hit to date, it could possibly reach the upper realms of the Top 20.
(Mizaria)
Armand Van Helden follows up his Top 40 hit "Hear My Name" with another slice of funky dance. "My My My" isn't quite as good as "Hear My Name", but is still incredibly catchy and filled to the brim with goodness. At the very least, "My My My" should chart higher than "Hear My Name" since Radio 1 have decided to give it some support.
(flea)

Kanye West - Jesus Walks
Kanye West's third release from the critically-acclaimed "College Dropout" album is this hip-hoppin' religious stance. As always, it's a truly unique song, differing from anything else lyrically, musically, and in it's eye-catching video. "Jesus Walks" is yet another reason why Mr West has sold millions, wowed critics and has lead the urban pack in 2004 - as if we really needed another one!
(Muzikritik)

Mario Winans feat. Lil' Flip - Never Really Was
Another ballad from American R&B sensation Mario Winans. It will be hard for him to beat his super-hit "I Don't Wanna Know", but he's trying. However, this attempt isn't very successful - "Never Really Was" is not a strong record and is rather forgettable. The one and only interesting point about this song is its sample of Madonna's classic "Papa Don't Preach", but otherwise this single is barely average.
(Ilya Khorkov)
Mario Winans returns with his second single, which samples Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach". His last release was No. 1 material and made it to the top, but this isn't. It's tuneless, and the Madonna instrumental doesn't go well with it. I'd say it's quite boring overall, even though the lyrics aren't that bad. I doubt this'll get higher than low Top 10, and even if it does, it doesn't deserve to.
(Alan James)

Other singles released this week

Almighty Allstars - Passion
Aspects feat. The Bees - Off The Lip
Bent - Comin' Back
Biz Markie - Friends
The Black Keys - 10 AM Automatic
Ben Christophers - Good Day For The Hopeless
Fierce Girl - Double Drop
Ed Harcourt - This One's For You
The Icarus Line - On The Lash EP
Izabo - Morning Hero EP
Jackie O - I Believe In A Thing Called Love / When You're Gone
The Killers - All These Things That I've Done
New Found Glory - Failure's Not Flattering
No Reason - Man Like Me
The Open - Elevation
The Prodigy - Girls
Shifty - Slide Along Side
Sonic Fire - Like One
Stoneylacuna - Constantly Running
The Thrills - Whatever Happened To Corey Haim?
Paul Weller - Wishing On A Star

The ratings explained:
 - awful, unbearable!;    - pretty poor effort;     - average, passable;      - good stuff;       - awesome, love it!