To Be Still [Digipak] - Alela Diane

A LESSON TO BE LEARNED HERE???

Advantages: great vocals, some great songs, lyrics provided
Disadvantages: a few weaker songs

have to also admit a liking for the cover of "Echo Beach" (although this generally seemed to be panned in reviews I read of the album). Despite the fact that Cilmi embraces many different genres of music in one album, there is still a cohesiveness somehow to the way each track fits in. No song feels like it shouldn't be on there . . . even the (very few) slightly weaker tracks don't seem out of place. Other bonuses? You have the lyrics in the inlay so can sing along to your hearts content! Cilmi served as co-writer on the album, and production came courtesy of the team which has been behind hits from the Sugababes and Girls Aloud in the past. Which is weird, since it sounds so different from their usual stuff, but the production is certainly slick and can't really be faulted - at least to an untrained ear such as mine! If you like ...

Pmshack99 18.12.2008 · Read full review
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Review of Lessons To Be Learned - Gabriella Cilmi

Something To Be Enjoyed

Advantages: A wide range of influences that keeps the album interesting
Disadvantages: It would have been nice to have "Smooth" included

the main songwriter in the band, is it going to be an album so much like his usual work that he could have released it as Matchbox Twenty and no-one would have been able to tell the difference. From the opening track, "This is How a Heart Breaks", it seems that the latter is likely to be true. It's a mid-tempo pop track with a slight rock edge, particularly in the chorus that is perhaps more pop-rock as opposed to the more rock-pop sound of Matchbox Twenty, but certainly wouldn't have been too out of place on their most recent album. The first single from the album, "Lonely No More", opens with a little more of a dance feel although it's really a largely pop influenced track. It's a decent choice for a debut single, not sounding too much like Matchbox Twenty, having more of a pop edge to it. With a low key, largely piano based intro ...

Soho_Black 26.02.2006 · Read full review
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Review of Something To Be - Rob Thomas

Something To Be Listened To!

Advantages: Mellow, easy on the ear, interesting blend, Rock but not too Rock!
Disadvantages: Rob Thomas's voice gets lost in the music on one or two songs, maybe a bit ot eclectic for some tastes.

Thomas. A good start, which promises much. "Lonely No More" is the track that prompted me to buy the album and is still undoubtedly my favourite. Right from the slow, sensual thumping drum intro, this song has a sexy feel to it, and as the synthesized whistle kicks in under the jazzy mellow rhythm and lyrics you cannot help but sway your hips to this Latino, Salsa influenced song. The music caresses his voice, really complimenting it's breathy, gravely nature. For a perfect seduction, catch your potential lover's eye and dance to this song, and you'll be kissing before the second chorus! "Ever the Same" starts out the same with more drums but a sweet piano adds an instant ballad feel. This is a raw and aching song, breathy vocals and keening music set your heart to aching for those you love. Intense but soothing, typical rock ballad in ...

VickyVickster 05.06.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Something To Be - Rob Thomas