A1 - Love them or loathe them, they were once the most talented boyband to ever roam on Planet Pop. These tenor boys all had different distinct voices and this is one fact that removes the label - manufactured pop off the band because a1 were less manufactured than it meets the eye.
These days, no one really bothers to look inside the music. especially if you are four guys who are all singer-songwriters, put into a band, or boyband. This unlucky fate decides that you will never get the respect of making sincere music.
However, in my case, i was a sucker for ballads with good melodies. In 2000, "Everytime" by a1 was an overly played song in my local radio station. I fell in love with it, and also got the chance to find out more about the four people who wrote and sang the song.
This was how i got into a1.
I agree that a1 fans may have overrated their talents and i agree that even though they all can sing, only one or two of them had more than average vocal quality. No doubtedly, they all write songs, but at the same time, most of the songs will never make it as classics. The reasons are simple:
Firstly, no one took a boyband seriously. And also, four good looking guys with huge talent? Definitely overrated!
However, saying that, a1 was still one of the best pop bands in the 90s. If you compared them to Steps, Boyzone, Backstreet Boys, 5ive and N'sync, i can tell you that none of them are as talented and as hardworking and as dedicated when it comes to making music. If you're careful reading the credits, a1 probably the only boy band who has ever tried to be more serious in their own music. These efforts are very clear, especially in their 3rd and final album "Make It Good" where all tracks were written by a1 and the music instruments of all tracks were played by two of the members.
It is sad to see that a1 split up before proving to the world that boybands can make sincere music. But first, we need to eliminate those who spoil the fun for the rest of us. There are many music artistes like Girls Aloud, Britney Spears, Ashlee Simpson, Lindsay Lohan who don't deserve a place in the music kingdom. So why should a1 be condemned first? For trying to make music?
P.s. If you have the chance to listen to Christian Ingebrigtsen's solo album, (norwegian member in a1), it is a beautiful solo album from someone who sincerely had a dream to write/sing and move the world with words and melody.
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I used to like A1 my mate was nuts about them, she fancies the pants off Ben still! Lou.x
chocolatejo987 22.03.2005 20:28
I don't rememeber them being that popular, they were certainly not as popular as the other bands around at that time. Good review, but I thought A1 were awful!!
smartypants123 22.03.2005 18:38
i liked them !! their last album showed what they were really about :o)
Advantages: Play instruments, write their own songs, sing live, can dance...(let me know when to stop) Disadvantages: Are still seen as being 'just another cheesy boyband'
MelW 25.01.2002 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of A1 - A1
Advantages: You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk is a greatly song - simultaneously funny and depressing. The B-SIdes and live tracks are good,.. Disadvantages: ...it's a shame all the mixes couldn't have been up to the standard of those by Brother Brown.
Mar 22nd, 2005
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