Shayne Bored
 Sep 15th, 2008
Advantages:
If you're a girl, quite a few
Disadvantages:
If you're a boy, endless disadvantages
Recommendable:
No
Detailed rating:
Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Value for Money
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  BZ2886
About me:
Still on a Ciao break... it's a long one, but like the Terminator.. 'I'll be back...'
Member since:23.05.2008
Reviews:72
Members who trust:24
Review rated by 28 Ciao members on average: very helpful 
Before I go further into this review, I should level with you. I do not really listen to this kind of music... ever. But after a bit of a telling off for only reviewing certain genres of music, I have relented and decided to review something which is somewhat alien to me. This actual album review was specifically requested by a rather persistent CIAO member who doesn't appear to be a fan of my current taste in music. (If some of what I say is a bit critical or upsets his fans on this site, I do apologise, but I'm just trying to review this honestly. Don't say I didn't warn you.)
The way I have always seen it, Shayne Ward was 'one for the girls' so as of yet, I havent heard much of his music apart from what I have seen on the Television. He achieved notoriety by winning the second series of UK talent contest 'The X-Factor.' He hails from Clayton near Manchester, coincidentally, very near to where I was born actually. (Irrelevant fact for you there.) Shayne Ward tends to sing Soul/Pop ballads, usually with a romantic content, which I must admit, isn't normally my first choice for music. Breathless is his second album and I haven't listened to it yet, nor have I heard his previous album, although I'm just about to press play... here goes...
The Album The album features Shayne in a variety of poses, etc inside although I think once again, this may be for the legions of lusting women in his fanbase. For me, its not exactly riveting cover-art or decor but I don't believe you buy an album for what it's case looks like. Its all about that little round disk that spins and makes noise come out when add it to your stereo.
[Track 1 - No U Hang Up] A slow drum-machine R&B beat opens the album with Shayne singing away with his calmest of dulcet tones. My problem with this kind of music, is I struggle to relate to the lyrics, as he is constantly serenading a generic/specific woman. The lyrics aren't the best, and the beat is quite samey all the way through. This is definitely not my kind of song, it's a bit too R&B bubblegum to keep me happy.
The chorus dips into a bit of harmonising although the drumbeat is same from start to finish in the track. I could tolerate this in the background, but I don't think I will choose to listen to it ever again.
[2.5/10] [Track 2 - Breathless]
This is the album's title track and second single
so I'm hoping for something a little better here. The beat is again a slow, clappy drum loop and Shayne drifting the melodic lyrics over it. The lyrics are same again, declaring his undying love. Listening to it, I feel like he's singing it to me. I'm sorry Shayne, your not my type mate, I'm afraid. The chorus has a little more to it here, but the track has no charisma from my point of view. He hits a couple of difficult notes during this song which , in fairness, do illustrate his ability to sing, but the lack of content in the lyrics, so typical of this genre is leaving me a bit disappointed. [4/10]
[Track 3 - If Thats OK With You] Bit of a tropical drum vibe going on here, a bit more on offer here. The lyrics are along the same vein, but its hardly fair to spend all the review bitching about the same thing. The song is more vibrant than the first two. To be honest, I think I have heard it before, the song isn't anything new, not radical at all but at least I feel like it could be dancefloor worthy, admittedly, I would have to be very drunk or I'd never be caught dancing to it I'm afraid. I'm struggling to rate this track, I want to give it a rating quite higher than the previous two tracks but don't want to go too far for fear of taking my other reviews out of context. OK.
[5/10] [Track 4 - Damaged]
The beat is a little reggae style mixed with a slow but powerful drum loop. It seems to me that every song is going to from a guy to girl style so I will stop mentioning the lyrics for now unless something changes. The chorus lacks any real movement, the drums just drop a bit heavier. A very chart-friendly song, I can see what it has to offer, but I personally feel that I don't need this kind of music. It's like trying to sell a catapult to the US Military, I have much more preferential music I would choose over this. I just caught myself tapping my foot to the drumbeat, so it can't be ALL bad, but I'm not a big fan of this one. [4.5/10]
[Track 5 - Some Tears Never Dry] The isolated drum beats here make the track seem a little different, but in truth it more of the same again. There is a backing vocal over most of the track which either makes up the chorus or echoes the verses but I'm really not feeling the vibe of this track. Not much happening. The beat reminds of me of a distroted, slow version of Liberty X 'Just a Little'in the chorus. For the record I don't like the song much either. Not good news for Shayne's fifth track as far as this review is concerned.
[2.5/10] [Track 6 - Until You]
You can tell the mood is switching here, a proper ballad number now. Slow almost non-occuring drums and a very mellow guitar/synth beat. The vocals get a bit more commited throughout the track, but aside from this, it doesnt change much at all from the first second to the last. I'm falling asleep to this one, sort of good, but its partially due to boredom aswell, sorry. [2/10]
[Track 7 - Stand By Your Side] A nice bit of piano, a little reminiscent of 'Back to Black' by Shamey Winehouse.I quite like this little sample but the rest of the song is a bit dull, a little electro. The piano is wearing a bit thin now so I'm just waiting for Shayne to interest me. I don't know many guys who would have listened this far into the album. It seems to me that this music isn't intended for 90% of the world's male population. Which begs the question... 'why was I asked to review this...?' I don't want to be nasty about a fellow mancunians work, he clearly is a good singer, but I can't find many positives with the actual content of the album. It's very unremarkable.
[3/10] [Track 8 - Melt The Snow]
There is a weird guy going 'wooooo' in the background every few lines, probably the best part of the tune, it's making me crack a smile anyway. The lyrics are once again boy-to-a-girl but they are disguised the tiniest bit here in places. The melody and harmony of the vocals are fine, but the tune is ineventful for me. First and only time will listen to this track. [2.5/10]
[Track 9 - Tangled Up] Oh Sweet Jehova!! The beat is quick!! A bit discofunk meets daft punk in the actual tune. The delivery of the lyrics are a bit more 70's and for the first time, it doesn't feel like I'm being punished listening to it. Lets not go too far ahead though, it is still a little contrived but this track breathes some much needed life into the album. The bassline is catchy, definitely one of the best tracks on the album as of yet, but that's not too difficult. It's like being the fastest snail in the garden, not a grand achievement really. better though. I can't see why this wasn't the single.
[5.5/10] [Track 10 - Just Be Good To Me]
Another dubby reggae beat, feels a bit out of place. The track still reaks of Rhythm and Blues. The beat is repetetive, and when it breaks it doesn't help much. There is also a sort of unecessary, ineffectual DJ scratching occasionally. Not the worst track on the album, the bassline saves the day again. [3/10]
[Track 11 - U Got Me] A kind of 80's sample and very crunky drum beat with Shayne singing like Justin Timberlake. Seems like a bit of a knock off to me. Like JT but without the top quality Timbaland beat, feels like an imitation, a glaringly obvious one. This was the albums third single and I think I have just stumbled upon the reason why. Marketing!!
[3/10] [Track 12 - You Make Me Wish]
I can see the finish line, can smell the guitars, can feel the hip-hop basslines and drums... unfortunately, not on this album, from next door in fact. Shame. Anyway, this track is slightly pacier than the ballads, but not as fast as the top-tempo tracks. The guest vocalist on the chorus sings a lot like rapper 'Nelly although I seriously doubt that it is him on the track. The synth adds a little drama to the tune and the drums are a little more fine-tuned and dancey but the track is still a bit bland. [3.5/10]
[Track 13 - Tell Him] It the last track, starts with a suspensful piano... I smell a final ballad. A well known sample here, can't quite place where its from. Destiny's child vibe is what I'm getting, plus a classical score. The beat is well-produced in comparison to the rest of the album. The lyrics have been getting to me for about 8 tracks and I've been dying to write some more about them, even though I promised not to. Ah never mind!! They are just the same thing being said over again, which makes me feel like the content of them is unimportant. I just feel that this music is made for a particular market... therefore I find it ironic that it should be put into the 'soul' music category.
Not the worst track in the world, or on the album even, the beat gives it an extra mark, but I'm glad its the last one.
[4/10]
Overall
I never normally listen to this kind of music and I've just remembered why. I'm a fan of good lyrics in music, I like to know that the artist has an interesting viewpoint, something unique to say but I have heard this stuff a million times before. The album is neatly presented, but it gets no further than background usic with me. The lyrics are generic and the vocal style follows the same formula in the majority of songs. Drum beat first, sample soon after, two slow verses from Shayne sandwiching the first chorus, then a slightly more committed chorus, a final perkier verse, then the cries of the backing vocalists over Shayne straining the final chorus with all his might. Every Time. If the track has a low score in my review, it probably follows this music by numbers formula. it's very uncomplex and unfortunately, is definitely not for me. I feel bad, this review was written as a request, but I can't lie. I just dont connect with this album, and couldn't find many other guys who could either. Love songs are simply designed to be sung to women, bought by women. It's difficult to relate to what the song is saying and the topic never changes. I understand their is a big market for this kind of jusic but i feel like it is sold more on Shayne's image than his talent, which is in some way a shame for him, but he is making money so I doubt he'd care too much.
This is not the worst example of its genre, but the album is uneventful, to few peaks, too many dull tracks. I'm not trying to be closed minded, I listened to every second of it, but I just could not enjoy it. Not my cup of tea, time for a real cup of tea I think, that was tough. Apologies to any fans who disagree, especially to the person who requested I write this. I didn't mean to be so harsh, it just comes out sometimes.
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13.06.2009 04:11
Not an artist for me either. XD Well reviewed.
15.09.2008 20:57
Great review!
15.09.2008 19:00
Reading the comment below...I don't think there is any one who is a true fan of him apart of me (talking sadly).....now to the harsh bit...2/10? 2.5? is that the best you can do? I don't think it's that bad! well I like him...he is my no.1 singer and I'm not changing my mind even after reading your review....I like him as a character and I like his songs....thanks for the review anyway....I would have giving it a NH for your opinion but for a very well written review and for the effort listening to it, you deserve E....at least you have listened to him...maybe Enrique Iglesias next time?