Gold - The Greatest Hits - Steps > Reviews > If its pop you want get this

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Great pop
Disadvantages:	none

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Steps - 'Gold' - released 2001 .

Not happy with great rock and other classic goups / albums , I'll turn my fingers to pop of today .

Firstly a brief history of Steps . In 1996 a song had been written , but no one had been chosen to perform it . The Back Street Boys were massive , and the Spice Girls were the in thing . So it was decided to combine the syles of both , and create a new group .
First to be signed was one Ian Watkins , followed by Lisa Scott-lee , Clair Richards , Faye Tozer and finally Lee Latchford Evans .
The song they were to record , and notch a top twenty place in the UK singles chart - ‘56781 .
Since that first record , Steps have gone from strength to strength , and believe it or not , have become the 2nd most successful Britsh pop group of all time ( 2nd only to the Beatles ) , this partially due to having 13 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 tapping at their best .

6) "Deeper Shade of Blue"
A slower ballad , well delivered , but laking that something.

7) "Last Thing On My Mind"
Almost Abba'esque in stature , disco type , but never the less catchy.

8) "Better The Devil You Know"
Fast paced poptastic song .

9) "Summer of Love"
Spanish feel to another Steps classic , always played , always sung to.

10) "5678"
The beginning....root scooting line dancing pop - really catchy.

11) "Chain Reaction ".
Another Gibb bros. ( BeeGees) classic, that was brought to fame by Diana Ross . Again better than the original , with a surperb drum beat background.

12) "Baby Don't Dance"
A more traditional pop ballad , that is not one of Steps best efforts . Not realy suited to their style.

13) "It's The Way You Make Me Feel"
Back to Steps at their vocal best . Absolutely brilliant .

14) "After The Love Has Gone"
Again Abba1esque in feel , the beginning so much so . A slow love song of disinction.

15) "Here and Now"
Could almost have been HearSay . Classy traditional pop record.

16) "Say You'll Be Mine"
Another great song , sung with enthusiasm and enjoyment.

17) "Only in My Dreams"
Moody , disco'ish , but not their most recognisable.

18) "Words Are Not Enough"
Slow ballad , but really quaint .

19) "When I Said Goodbye"
Slow , dramatic smootchie . Well performed

20) "Heartbeat"
As per track 19) , but not quite as good .

My choice tracks :

"Tragedy" , "Chain Reaction" , "5678"

As for the album sleeve , each member is given a two page phoo exposure . The outer sleeve has a group photo . Inside you'll also find a brief history , and the lyrics to all the songs.

So their you have it , a really well balance album . I dare anyone to say they really dislike this group . The music may not be your preferred type , and it is aimed many at the 8-15 age group , but that saying many a parent will secretly admit to loving this album .