That's What I'm Talking About - Shannon Noll > Reviews > That's what I'm talking about - Shannon Noll

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Not applicable
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Fanstastic variety, new songs, something for everyone
Disadvantages:	Some songs may seem a little samey

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

This is a beautiful album by Australian Idol runner up Shannon Noll. It stormed the Aussie charts and went straight to the top spot. This is his debut album, but he certainly does not sound like an amateur. Indeed, he even co wrote one of the songs, though he had no previous experience.
Perhaps the most memorable song on the album was his debut hit 'Learn to fly', released shortly after the end of the hit tv show which launched him to fame. There is also a beautiful cover of 'What about me', superbly sung and very touching. Noll's voice has a beautiful smoothness to it, and occassionally he adds a more gruff quality to it, not unlike that of Bryan Adams, one of Noll's inspiratipons when it comes to performing. The album is a combination of the rock/pop genre.
The album is available as an import from Australia on Amazon for around 13 pounds, but I would recommend looking at the used and new section, as it can be bought for roughly half the price. Ebay has a some for around a fiver, too. This is just about the cheapest I could find, and the cds are delivered in just a few days, so Amazon or ebay are your best bet to be honest.

Tracks

1. Drive - personally I find this a rather exciting start to the album. The song is upbeat and fun. It's a song that is about taking a carefree ride in a car with someone beautiful.

2. New Beginning - Faboulous song, one of the catchiest on the entire album. This is the perfect song to display the softer side of Noll's talent. A very sentimental and heartfelt performance.

3. What About Me - An absolutely gorgous remake of the original song. Very touching, thus maintaining the sentiment of the original, but livened up with the entrance of the electric guitar in the second verse. A great effect; the pace and atmosphere of the song is progressive, since the guitar does not come in immediately when the song starts, so it remains interesting throughout.

4. Burn - A good song. Piano to start, which is great and an interesting touch. It makes the song slightly more unique. Interesting rhythm in the chorus of this one and the chorus shifts from major to minor, then back again; nice touch.

5. Sittin' Pretty - I love this song. The lyrics are fantastic and the rythm is bouncy. The drums kick in mainly in the choruses, but this is an advantage, as it gives the song depth and keeps it interesting.

6. Learn To Fly - Finally!! This is the best known song on the album, since it was Noll's debut single. A charming song about picking yourself up when things go wrong, and learning to take things slow, not trying to do things before you are really ready. It's a ballad, rather than a rock/pop song, but still fits well with the cd. A delightful chorus.

7. Promises - Soooo catchy!! A fun song, great for when you're on the road and want to sing along. It's about a man trying to keep all of his promises to the woman he loves but finding it difficult.

8. Tune In - Fabulous! Lively and interesting vocals. Noll shows off the higher range of his voice in this song about hope and looking foward to tomorrow.

9. Prove - Another softer song about proving to someone how much you love them and the need for people to tell you what they want. Steady rhythm througout and a key change at the end adds a nice finishing touch.

10. Wise - Thoroughly entertaining song. Upbeat and steady pace. It's about taking a chance on love after a broken heart and finding that it is possible to move on with your life and be happy with someone incredible. Nice guitar througout.

11. The Way She Loved Me - The most sentimental song on the album. A song about a lost love. A tear-jerking and beautiful torch song.

12. The Way That I Feel - Very very lively. The tune is infectious and the lyrics are well thought out. It's about doing your own thing, getting by and living life; ultimately the simple things that we do in life.

The album is packed with great music!!
They are all lively, upbeat and original songs and will remain in your head for DAYS... literally!! They are just SO catchy!

If you like this, check out his second new album, 'Lift'. It has a fantastic mixture of rock and pop that will satisfy any appetite, and any Shannon Noll fan... which should be ALL
OF YOU!!