Northern Soul - M People

Advantages: The superb, Confide In Me
Disadvantages: The lacklustre, Time Will Pass You By

...performance from Kylie. More mesmerising is the hypnotic, trance-like tone of Falling, which features an angelic performance from its star. What then appears to be leading up to a grand final, is let down by the surprisingly lacklustre cover version of a classic Northern Soul hit, Time Will Pass You By, which was produced by 1990's pop sensation, M People, a group fronted by Heather Small. Its certainly average enough but admitedly lacks spark in comparison to the dynamic force of the rest of the album. Still, all in all, this album refreshingly revitalised Kylies recording career and is one of her greatest studio albums. It became a big seller in the U.K though received little recognition in the U.S. A classic! Ian Phillips August 2006... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Really grows on you
Disadvantages: Once you've started listening, it's hard to stop.

...Melanie C's debut album Northern Star will suprise many people who have only ever seen her as "Sporty Spice". Tackling subjects and issues that the Spice Girls will never cover, the album is brilliant. Melanies vocal range is exceptional - perhaps not the best singer in the world, but one who certainly puts her whole heart into the music. My personal favourite track from the album features the vocal talent of TLC's Lisa Lopes. "Never Be The Same Again" - an interesting mix of Melanies soulful voice and a great rap from Left Eye. If you're already a Melanie fan you will love this album. If you're not, don't let the Spice Girls connection put you off. Melanie is a worthy solo artist and her debut album is an excellent start. The more I listen, the more I like. I'm sure you'll feel the same.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

Advantages: A decent introduction to a great band.
Disadvantages: No where near their greatest work.

...Having been a massive Verve fan, I was gutted when they split up, and ecstatic when they announced their reformation circa '97. I thought Bitter Sweet Symphony was an excellent comeback symbol and knew from the reaction it created that the band would finally achieve the fame and celebrity they'd always craved. However, despite buying Urban Hymns on the day of its release, my opinion soon changed. This was not the work of the same band, the tortured individuals that made the classic A Northern Soul. It sounded sanitised and purposefully commercial, as if The Verve were trying to appeal to as many people as possible instead of just following their instincts. I got rid of the album soon after. I listened to it again recently and, while it still disappoints, I can see why so many people like it, and that, in its own way, it's a good album... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: strong album, few weak tracks
Disadvantages: everything which followed it (including the ill-advised solo career)

...as a whole. What usually tends to happen on such strong albums is that there is no obvious standout tracks. But true classics have them - for me, No Surprises on OK Computer was such a song, standing out from even the most sublime album ever recorded. And on A Northern Soul, The Verve go one step further. I cannot overemphasise the majesty and beauty of track number eight, History. The violins are at their most searing, Ashcroft's voice at its most anthemic and desolate, and the lyrics at their most potent. The story is of a Northern boy, isolated by an escape to London, but the emotions evoked are universal. This is simply the best song of the 1990's. No question. This album will not be loved by everyone. People looking for an obvious precursor to Urban Hymns will be disappointed, and the album does require perseverance before it can be fully... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful