Buzz - Steps

Advantages: good all round music appeal
Disadvantages: weak links

...to writing my opinion on Buzz the last album released. What is it about Steps that makes them better than the rest of the pre manufactured music bands of today, well they are not only attractive but seem to have kept their values even with huge success, they are very much like the girl or boy next door types, genuinely nice people on and off camera, and this comes through in the Steps charm factor. Claire Richardson has the edge on vocal talents ...
...cant help humming it. Buzz - The title track, here the band try and vary their normal style to an almost R & B feel, plenty of feel to it, with Faye taking the reigns so to speak as the main vocalist. A short rap from Lee however brings the tone down slightly here, as the poor guy just hasn’t got what it takes, well either at rap or even at singing really but I suppose they have to let him have a go now and again so we don’t forget ... Read review

Advantages: Plenty of sing-a-long pop music and for a change, some thought provoking lyrics.
Disadvantages: A couple of weak tracks. No real complaints.

...tinged summery track, title track buzz (you gotta love this for it's simplicity "I getta b-b-buzz off you, bec-c-cause i do"!) and 'happy go lucky'. Whilst this is a carbon copy of just about every Ace of Base song ever made and many will attack it for it's 'tackiness', i love this one. The lyrics are meaningful again "This smile's a frown turned upside-down i do my happy go lucky so well i'm even fooling myself". "Turn around" is very much the ...
...as lightweight pop. But this is as bad as it gets. Apart from this, Buzz (for me) has affirmed Steps as a group that have finally made the grade from good singles group, to good album group. Please boys and girls, make the next one just as good. ... Read review

Advantages: Some good tracks, happy clappy music
Disadvantages: All a bit forced, all too similar

...Their third album is Buzz and it followed on from what has been a strong period of hits including a couple of Number 1s. As is often the way with some bands you don’t realise how good they are until the copycats arrive. Steps are beginning to look old in comparison with some of the newer bands and you wonder how long the energy and commitment can last. They are an undemanding middle of the road band who are extending into other TV work. Personable ...
...their style a little. Buzz is a good album with some good tracks but there are times when it seems to have been recorded in a rush. It also perhaps needed a few stronger tracks and possibly even a better blend of tracks. Possibly as Confucius didn’t say there are only so many ways to butter bread. Some tracks are readily identifiable, "Better The Devil You Know" was a hit for Kylie and that should have been it for the song, surely not worth ... Read review

Advantages: Best work to date not past their sell by date at all
Disadvantages: I cant think of any to tell the truth

...them one hit wonders. Buzz sees the guys moving away from the bubble gum pop camp of Pete Waterman, and heading to the States to work with big names such as Cyndi Lauper and Lulu and all the guys have a bash at writing a song each and damn fine they are. Like all artists Steps want to be taken seriously and take a great stab at it with Buzz, starting off with the fun stuff then into the we are all grown up mode. 1 - Better The Devil You Know ...
...of the finest tracks on Buzz and Lee works well with the girl's on this ditty, it is one of my favourites and it sees us back to what Steps are all about, so he is not just good looks and muscle, he in actual fact is not to bad a writer. 14 - Wouldn’t Hurt So Bad This is a stunning upbeat ballad, with a very All Saints feel to it with the three girls working together well with each other, harmonies and vocals are perfect. 15 - If You Believe ... Read review

Advantages: Mostly bouncy and energetic songs
Disadvantages: I did not think it was as good as other Steps albums

Steps released their 3rd album at Christmas 2000. It kicks off with a great start, Better The Devil You Know. ‘Better The devil You Know’ was quite fast and energetic with a quite bouncy rhythm. Next was ‘Stomp’ which is every bodies favourite. Quite loud, strong and enthusiastic. Then it’s ‘Summer Of Love’. Starts off with a fast and changing beat. It has a flowing rhythm. After that, is ‘It’s ...
...then gets up to moderate pace. Sounds as though the song is giving off an urgent message. Then it’s ‘You’ll Be Sorry’. The song is very dramatic. Quite fast. The chorus gets faster and faster. The words are telling a story. ‘Learn To Love Again’ is a very depressing song which also tells a story. In the chorus is says “Learn to love again, though it’s hard I will believe”. Then was ‘Never ... Read review

Advantages: Good value for money
Disadvantages: You might not like all the artists/tracks

...it was released. There must still be a lot of fans around. 2. 19-2000 (Soulchild Remix) - Gorillaz 3. Do You Really Like It - DJ Pied Piper & Masters Of Ceremonies This is one of those songs that just goes round in your head and you can't get it out of your mind. It has well established itself as a dance anthem for Summer 2001 and a holiday would not be the same without this blaring out in the disco. 4. All I Want - Mis-Teeq 5. Another Chance - Roger Sanchez 6. Romeo - Basement Jaxx 7. Meet Her At The Love Parade 2001 - Da Hool 8. Castles In The Sky - Ian Van Dahl 9. You Are Alive (Radio Edit) - Fragma 10. Here And Now - Steps A pop compilation would not be complete without a Steps track. This was Steps 13th hit single taken from the album Buzz. Steps... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great pop
Disadvantages: none

...consecutive top 5 hits . Three studio albums have been released , namely ‘Steps' , ‘Steptacular' and ‘Buzz' , and this album ‘Gold' being the latest release , and a greatest hits album at that. Not bad for a group of just six years . And for your hard earned dosh you get 20 songs , really good value for money. The track listing is as follows : ( track title , MY views) 'Gold - greatest hits' 1) "Tragedy " The BeeGees classic given a revamp , and a new lease of life . Far superior in my view than the original. 2) "One For Sorrow" Pop ballad of quality . Catchy , sad love song , that can't be rubbished. 3) "Stomp" A standarised pop record aimed at their traditional 8-15 market . 4) "Better Best Forgotten" Some great vocals against a catchy background. 5) "Loves Got A Hold Of My Heart" Foot stomping , finger... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great music , funky dance routines , great entertainers
Disadvantages: They split up!!!!

...Are Not Enough - The last ever Steps song released , So this song holds special memories for the band and fans. *Albums * Step One Steptacular Buzz Greatest Hits The Last Dance The band split up on Boxing Day 2001. Many fans were angry after recieving their new merchandise (including a calendar) only to be told a day later that the band had split.I remember I recieved a steps calendar for christmas - the band had already split before I'd put it up! Individual members of steps have apparently said they'd 'never - say - never - to a steps ruinion! Fingers crossed! Thanks for Reading :)... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful