Girls Aloud - Out Of Control - 2008

The all-conquering reality stars Girls Aloud return for a fifth full-length outing in the shape of 'Out Of Control', analbum with myriad influences and pop styles incorporated. After the prominence and celebrity of Cheryl Cole, thanks to her high-profile personal life and appearance as a judge on ITV's The X Factor talent show, this release comes with great fan expectation attached. The girls themselves appear to be dabbling with retro influences including drum 'n' bass, 80s and 90s dance music and balladry. As with previous releases, the Xenomania songwriting team are at work behind the scenes. Features the single 'The Promise'.
Track Listing
The Promise - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Jeremy Wheatley, Tim Powell, Matt Gray, Nick Coler, Miranda Cooper, Jason Resch, Owen Parker, Mark C.Brown, Mike Kearsey, Jo Auckland, Nick Squires, Stefan Defilet, Susan Early, Adrian Smith, Kieran Jones, Florrie Arnold, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
The Loving Kind - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Jeremy Wheatley, Yoad Nevo, Tim Powell, Matt Gray, Miranda Cooper, Sascha Collison, Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe, Nick Coler, Jason Resch, Kieran Jones, Owen Parker, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
Rolling Back The Rivers In Time - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Tim Powell, Miranda Cooper, Owen Parker, Nick Coler, Johnny Marr, Jason Resch, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
Love Is The Key - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Tim Powell, Miranda Cooper, Gary Sanctuary, William Gresford, Nick Coler, Jason Resch, Kieran Jones, Johnny Marr, Florrie Arnold, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
Turn to Stone - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Tim Powell, Miranda Cooper, Sascha Collison, Jason Resch, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
Untouchable - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Tim Powell, Matt Gray, Miranda Cooper, Sascha Collison, Owen Parker, Fred Faulke, Nick Coler, Jason Resch, Kieran Jones, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
Fix Me Up - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Tim Powell, Miranda Cooper, Owen Parker, Gary Sanctuary, Nick Coler, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
Love Is Pain - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Tim Powell, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Nick Coler, Miranda Cooper, Sascha Collison, Jason Resch, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
Miss You Bow Wow - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Tim Powell, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Miranda Cooper, Gary Sanctuary, Kieran Jones, Nick Coler, Jason Resch, Owen Parker, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
Revolution In The Head - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Tim Powell, Dan Aslet, Toby Scott, Miranda Cooper, Owen Parker, Sascha Collison, Nick Coler, Jason Resch, Kieran Jones, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
Live In The Country - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Tim Powell, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Miranda Cooper, Nick Coler, Jason Resch, Kieran Jones, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh
We Wanna Party - Brian Higgins, Girls Aloud, Tim Powell, Toby Scott, Dan Aslet, Matt Gray, Gary Sanctuary, Miranda Cooper, Sascha Collison, Nick Coler, Jason Resch, Owen Parker, Kieran Jones, Florrie Arnold, Dick Beetham, Nicola Roberts, Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh

The album title, Out of Control, is of course a misnomer-- if there is a more in control, empowered, dominant and disciplined pop tour-de-force out there, then Girls Aloud must still be sassier and brassier and a whole lot noisier, because we're not noticing anyone else. And this is also possibly the most restrained, or at least sleek and refined, collection of songs from the Girls yet. There are a couple of deeply pulsating off-the-peg club floor-fillers in "Turn to Stone" and "The Loving Kind" that embody an out-of-body hedonism, poised retro pastiches like the gliding and punchy "The Promise" and sassy rhythmic "Love Is the Key", then up-tempo 80s-flavoured ballad "Rolling Back the Rivers in Time", direct steamy pop of "Fix Me Up" and brilliantly on the button infectiousness of "Miss You Bow Wow". The fluency is palpable across such a range of subtle twists and turns, their confidence such a given they don't ever need to force the point. This is album number five and although it's impossible to fight the feeling of it being the next tidy package from a well oiled production line it's about as hard not to gawp at the electrifying consistency that sneaks and smashes through its twelve tracks--and in that sense maybe you could say it is a little Out of Control, compared to the competition. --James Berry 
Customer Reviews

Im in love!  
I've always just liked the odd song of these girls and never bought an album until now...am totally in love with it!! every song! If i had to name my 3 faves they would be The Loving Kind, Turn to Stone and Untouchable...all i can say is WOW!!! 

Big Big Hair and A Hullabaloo 
Having a creative writing/production team as sharp as Xenomania 
on your side has delivered, in this, GA's fifth excursion, the most 
consistent and coherent offering in their meteoric career so far. 

No mistake - 'Out Of Control' is a five star cracker ! 

From the slickly retro opening of 'The Promise' to the somewhat 
edgier riff-led 'We Wanna Party' this is an unfailingly upbeat set 
of twelve classy, memorable, hook-filled gems. 

Not since Stock, Aitken and Waterman's 80' heyday have we 
heard such vibrant, scintillating pop. 

The project is chock-full of teasingly affectionate musical references. 

Mr Tennant and Mr Lowe's involvement in 'The Loving Kind' has 
resulted in a PSB / GA hybrid classic of sorts. 

'Rolling Back The Rivers Of Time' is a soulful and uplifting thing of beauty - the "ahh ooh" Wolf howls were especially appreciated. 

'Turn To Stone' and 'Love Is Pain' explore electropop territory with sassy aplomb. 

'Miss You Bow Wow' ( surely a contender for silly song title of the year ) romps 
along like a naughty puppy dragging us in tow on its' tight lead. An absolute Hoot ! 

The Girls can sing. The Girls can dance. The Girls are alright ! 

Highly Recommended.

Super Quick Download 
I have never downloaded before so thought I would choose a cheaper album just in case it all went wrong!. Was so impressed, it was so easy. Downloaded with no problems whatsoever. Burned to CD instantly with no problems and the sound quality is superb. Never a fan of Girls Aloud but this album is brilliant and I havent stopped listening to it yet.

Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Suns - 2008

Fifth album, following 2006's multi-million-selling 'Eyes Open', from the Northern Irish pop-rock quintet. Recorded in Germany and Ireland with Garret "Jacknife" Lee (U2, Bloc Party, REM) once more at the helm, the album sees them exploring a somewhat rockier, although still decidedly radio-friendly, direction than on the introspective 'Eyes Open'. As evinced by the single 'Take Back The City', the band's knack for writing catchy pop hooks remains intact.
Track Listing
If There's a Rocket Tie Me To It - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Cenzo Townshend, Neil Comber, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher
Crack The Shutters - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Cenzo Townshend, Neil Comber, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher
Take Back The City - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Cenzo Townshend, Dave Emery, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher
Lifeboats - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher
The Golden Floor - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher
Please Just Take These Photos From My Hands - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Cenzo Townshend, Neil Comber, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher
Set Down Your Glass - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher
The Planets Bend Between Us - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Cenzo Townshend, Neil Comber, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher
Engines - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher
Disaster Button - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Cenzo Townshend, Neil Comber, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher

The Lightning Strike - Garret Lee, Snow Patrol, Tom McFall, Sam Bell, Tilmann Ilse, Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, Paul Wilson, Tom Simpson, Jonny Quinn, Owen Lewis, Karen Kelleher, Avshalom Caspi, Phil Rose, Guy Barker, Colin Sheen, David Stewart, Evgeny Chebykin, James Anderson, Mark Law, James Jarvis, Alex Cope, Alison Benbow, Ben Finn, Claire Fletcher, Claire Whitehead, Dave Garioch, Dave Soderberg, David Taylor, ¿Desola Haastrup, Edward Sykes, Frances Rowberry, Gareth Wigmore, Gordon Banner, Gretchen Cummings, Hayley Kruger, Helen Russill, Henry Ross, Ian Crawford, James Howard, Jeremy James, John Catherall, Judy Taylor, Julia Saperia, Mark Rivers-Moore, Mary Jeavans, Matthew Jelf, Peter Jennings, Peter Kenny, Philip Pratt, Rebecca Wallis, Richard Furse, Roz Sherris, Sara Coffey, Sarah Meunier, Sharon Kniss, Stephen Wilmot, Stuart Murray-Turnbull, Thomas Smith, Tim Meunier, Val Reid, Victor Gan, Mo Hausler, Cenzo Townshend, Neil Comber

The Snow Patrol we meet on A Hundred Million Suns is a band facing the same dilemma that Coldplay met on 2008's Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends; having conquered the world with a rousing, melancholy brand of MOR indie, where now? On the surface, A Hundred Million Suns seems to suggest, nowhere especially new: producer Jacknife Lee, who first worked with the band on 2003's Final Straw and went on to work with the likes of U2 and REM returns to the fold; and an opening brace of songs suggest that a successful formula--chiming guitars, gentle builds, and Gary Lightbody's quavering, tremulous vocal--persists. Still, "Take Back The City", a windswept, electronic-tinged rocker, rather does for this band what "Dakota" did for Stereophonics, proving that a spot of sleek, synthetic motorik is not beyond their grasp, and there's a new, bright optimism to Lightbody's lyrics that sets the likes of "The Planets Bend Between Us" in light relief to some of Snow Patrol's earlier work. If you want experiment, though, you'll have to wait until the closing "The Lightning Strike", a 16-minute track in three parts that investigates Phillip Glass-style minimalism and electronic beats with some aptitude. --Louis Pattison 
Customer Reviews

A decent addition to the Snow Patrol catalogue 
Despite the very mixed and predominantly lukewarm reviews (and poor title), this is actually a rather good album which is always going to suffer by comparison following, as it does, two very good and similar-sounding releases. If you enjoyed either (or both) 'Final Straw' or 'Eyes Open' then there is a very good chance you will like 'A Hundred Million Suns'. There is no huge departure from their trademark, well-honed Snow Patrol sound, no massive progression, simply another set of well-written, well-performed songs, although perhaps it could be said this is their most laid-back album yet, overall, and their harder edge seems a mite softer on this release. Other than that, it is business as usual. 

Worthy additions to the Snow Patrol catalogue include 'Take Back The City' (the verse of which sounds very much like 'Stranger' from ELO's 1983 album, 'Secret Messages') the energetic 'Please Just Take These Photos From My Hands' and the adventurous final track 'The Lightning Strike', a three-part Snow Patrol epic which is probably the most remarkable song on the album. With each repeat play, this album sounds better and better and its individual charms begins to make their mark, however, with nothing here as immediately striking as 'Chasing Cars', 'Spitting Games' or 'Run' you really do have to give 'A Hundred Million Suns' a fair hearing to get the full benefit of this album - but it is eventually worth the effort. 

10/10 to Amazon 
The review say it all; a really great Album. However, what I would like to say is well done Amazon. I for one hate the pretentious rubbish written about Apple and in particular their hateful I-Tunes. I don't have an iPOD although respect their design. I have a Zen which I love and now my wife and both the kids have one too. Amazon have opened up the market and with these £3.00 downloads, only those with anal retention are still going to regularly illegally download. At last someone has realised that charging £8-£10 for a download is taking the rip. If you keep the downloads down to a reasonable price then we will pay. Don't let us down Amazon! 

A great evolution 
My first "contact" with SP was "Eyes open": I inmediately loved the album, as it pushed me to buy the previuos ones. I must confess that the two first collections were not of my taste, except for a very few songs, but "Final straw" finally threw me to the Patrol's feet and songs like "Chocolate", "Run", "How to be dead", "Spitting Games or "Somewhere a clock is ticking" became a part of my being. This last "One hundred million suns" is as good as the previous two and even better, at least for me; I find a good bunch of great songs all along the set, most of them being better than the hit single "Take back the city": "Crack the shutters" recovers the spirit of my personal fav of all SP songs, "Chocolate", I trace influences of U2 and Coldplay in several tracks, like "Engines" or "If there's a rocket...", also love "Please just take...", "Disaster button" or the first and the final parts of "The lightning strike", the rest of tracks keep a very good level. I've listened to the album many many times, and each time I find new things that make me love it deeper and deeper, specially "If there's a rocket tie me to it": it must be the next single.

The Killers Day and Age - 2008

 

The Killers' third collection of new material, 'Day And Age', is said by frontman Brandon Flowers to be 'a continuation' of the concept used for their second album, 'Sam's Town'. Produced by Stuart Price - who the band came across after hecreated the 'Thin White Duke' remix of 'Mr Brightside' - this is their first original release in two years. The distinctive Paul Normansell-designed artwork that houses 'Day And Age' has received praise from many critics including MTV, while the album itself includes the single 'Human'.

Track Listing
Losing Touch - Stuart Price, The Killers, Robert Root, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole, Tommy Marth
Human - Stuart Price, The Killers, Robert Root, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole
Spaceman - Stuart Price, The Killers, Robert Root, Ted Sablay, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole
Joy Ride - Stuart Price, The Killers, Robert Root, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole, Daniel de los Reyes, Tommy Marth
A Dustland Fairytale - The Killers, Stuart Price, Robert Root, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole
This Is Your Life - The Killers, Stuart Price, Robert Root, Ted Sablay, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole
I Can't Stay - Stuart Price, The Killers, Robert Root, Ted Sablay, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole, Daniel de los Reyes, Tommy Marth
Neon Tiger - The Killers, Stuart Price, Robert Root, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole
The World We Live In - The Killers, Stuart Price, Robert Root, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole
Goodnight, Travel Well - The Killers, Stuart Price, Robert Root, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole
A Crippling Blow - Stuart Price, The Killers, Robert Root, Ted Sablay, Dave Emery, Alex Dromgoole

Success came fast for The Killers, maybe too fast. The impossibly hooky “Mr Brightside” from their debut, coupled with faultless synth anthem “Somebody Told Me”, turned them into the most ubiquitous band in the world overnight and had them batting away Glastonbury headline offers before the Hot Fuss campaign was even over. Sam's Town followed all too quickly, trying to stylistically catch up with their status as stadium rock giants in waiting, but like their debut was really only carried by a couple of strong singles. Which would make this the perfect--or necessary--time to deliver the masterpiece the world expects. By shamelessly cherry-plundering the number 1 acts of the 80s not only have they managed to dramatically shunt the concept of filler from the record, but every track acts like it's performing last on Top Of The Pops circa 1987. Result. From the sparkling Pet Shop Boys obedience of “Human” to the massive Human League via Starship chorus of “Spaceman”, the Paul Simon’s Graceland as done by Talking Heads on “This Is Your Life” to the bang-on Cure desolation of “Goodnight, Travel Well” they barely put a foot wrong, though the saxophone ‘n’ steel drum funk of “Joy Ride” does momentarily test the patience. Their mission to become the next U2 continues apace and infiltrates most nooks on Day & Age, see especially Brandon’s very best Bono on “A Dustland Fairytale” and “This Is Your Life”. Third time lucky--they really do come very close to that masterpiece. --James Berry

How The Killers Have Grown 
The first thing I will say about this album is that you have to give it 3 or 4 listens before you can really appreciate how good it is. When I first listened to it I thought I might be disapointed as none of the tracks seemed to stand out to me as they had done instantly on Hot Fuss and Sam's Town. 

However after hearing it a few times I can say that this is without a doubt The Killers best album yet - and that is saying something. 
What is new in this album is that a lot of the songs are written about the personal lives of members of the band. For example "A Dustland Fairytale" which tells the story of how Brandon Flowers' parent's met and his mother's battle with cancer. 

This makes the album very full of emotion which is something that The Killers havn't really done before, and they have pulled it off brilliantly. The Singles "Human" and "Spaceman" are both very good tracks, more in the style of earlier Killers work. But the true beauty of this album is, as I said, in the slower, more emotional tracks. My personal favorite is probably "A Dustland Fairytale". I also really like "The World We Live In" and "I Can't Stay". 

If you are a fan of the Killers then no doubt you will already have bought this album. If not then I would strongly recommend it as there is something on here for everyone. 

One Final Point: The Track "Goodnight, Travel Well" is truly breathtaking. It was written about the death of Dave Keunig's mother and it really captures the emotions of anyone who has lost a loved one. The Album is worth it just to hear this song. You won't regret getting this Album.

Good Album Def Grows  
After listening to this i would say you need to give it a chance, the killers have always changed their style by album and i would say this is a bit of sams town and hot fuss, it grows on you the more you play it so give it a chance, i think it will brilliant live and can't wait to go and see them 

Nearly perfect 
OK I won't review each track as there are enough crits below but... 
In a nutshell, this is musically brilliant, as original as ever, the production is brilliant, Brandon's voice is a as strong and lilting as ever and the album is more pleasing to the ear than the slightly hard edged sound of Sam's Town. Just one clear fault. The songs need to have a more coherent narrative at times. Too often Mr F starts on one theme/point, heads off down some other poetic highway, and ends up somewhere totally unrecognisable from, well the previous line not to mention the beginning of the song. This is esspresso fuelled lyrical originality and sometimes when there's a bit more repetition, ala The World We Live In, it's more effective. If they'd nailed that it would truly be a world-wide classic but it's still a stunning acomplishment and great to listen to.

Take That - The Circus - 2008

 

After successfully effecting one of the greatest pop comebacks in history, boyband-turned-credible vocal group Take That release their fifth studio album, the second after their return. Led, as ever, by the songwriting talents of svengali Gary Barlow, this release is similarly epic and romantic to its predecessor (2006's 'Beautiful World'), with songs such as 'What Is Love', 'How Did It Come To This' and the single 'Greatest Day' standing out most. Producer John Shanks returns for a second collaboration with the boys, repeating the success of his work with them on 'Beautiful World'.

Track Listing
The Garden - John Shanks, Take That, Jeff Rothschild, Graham Archer, Ryan Carline, Richard Lancaster, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, Wil Malone, Perry Montague-Mason, Warren Zielinski, Patrick Kiernan, Emlyn Singleton, Pete Hanson, David Woodcock, Boguslav Kostecki, Tom Pigott Smith, Liz Edwards, Mark Berrow, Steve Morris, Chris Tombling, Jonathan Rees, Rita Manning, Peter Lale, Kate Musker, Andy Parker, Rachel Bolt, Tony Pleeth, Jo Knight, Dave Daniels, Nick Cooper, Chris Laurence, Mary Scully, Derek Watkins, John Barclay, Mark Nightingale, Andy Wood, Owen Slade, Shari Sutcliffe, Stephen Marcussen
Greatest Day - Gary Barlow, Take That, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, John Shanks, Jeff Rothschild, Graham Archer, Ryan Carline, Richard Lancaster, Wil Malone, Perry Montague-Mason, Warren Zielinski, Patrick Kiernan, Emlyn Singleton, Pete Hanson, David Woodcock, Boguslav Kostecki, Tom Pigott Smith, Liz Edwards, Mark Berrow, Steve Morris, Chris Tombling, Jonathan Rees, Rita Manning, Peter Lale, Kate Musker, Andy Parker, Rachel Bolt, Tony Pleeth, Jo Knight, Dave Daniels, Nick Cooper, Chris Laurence, Mary Scully, Stephen Marcussen
Hello - John Shanks, Take That, Jeff Rothschild, Ryan Carline, Graham Archer, Richard Lancaster, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, Wil Malone, Perry Montague-Mason, Warren Zielinski, Patrick Kiernan, Emlyn Singleton, Pete Hanson, David Woodcock, Boguslav Kostecki, Tom Pigott Smith, Liz Edwards, Mark Berrow, Steve Morris, Chris Tombling, Jonathan Rees, Rita Manning, Peter Lale, Kate Musker, Andy Parker, Rachel Bolt, Tony Pleeth, Jo Knight, Dave Daniels, Nick Cooper, Chris Laurence, Mary Scully, Shari Sutcliffe, Stephen Marcussen
Said It All - John Shanks, Take That, Jeff Rothschild, Graham Archer, Ryan Carline, Richard Lancaster, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, Wil Malone, Perry Montague-Mason, Warren Zielinski, Boguslav Kostecki, Tom Pigott Smith, Chris Tombling, Julian Leaper, Jim McLeod, Alison Kelly, Chris Clad, David Woodcock, Liz Edwards, Simon Fischer, Jonathan Rees, Everton Nelson, Peter Lale, Tim Grant, Andy Parker, Rachel Bolt, Tony Pleeth, Caroline Dearnley, Dave Daniels, Nick Cooper, Mary Scully, Allen Walley, Shari Sutcliffe, Stephen Marcussen
Julie - John Shanks, Take That, Jeff Rothschild, Graham Archer, Ryan Carline, Richard Lancaster, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, Philip Sheppard, Matthew Ward, Shari Sutcliffe, Stephen Marcussen
The Circus - John Shanks, Take That, Jeff Rothschild, Graham Archer, Ryan Carline, Richard Lancaster, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, Wil Malone, Perry Montague-Mason, Warren Zielinski, Boguslav Kostecki, Chris Tombling, David Woodcock, Everton Nelson, Peter Lale, Rachel Bolt, Tony Pleeth, Dave Daniels, Mary Scully, Shari Sutcliffe, Stephen Marcussen
How Did It Come To This - John Shanks, Take That, Jeff Rothschild, Graham Archer, Ryan Carline, Richard Lancaster, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, Wil Malone, Perry Montague-Mason, Warren Zielinski, Boguslav Kostecki, Tom Pigott Smith, Chris Tombling, Julian Leaper, Jim McLeod, Alison Kelly, Chris Clad, David Woodcock, Liz Edwards, Simon Fischer, Jonathan Rees, Everton Nelson, Peter Lale, Tim Grant, Andy Parker, Rachel Bolt, Tony Pleeth, Caroline Dearnley, Dave Daniels, Nick Cooper, Mary Scully, Allen Walley, Shari Sutcliffe, Stephen Marcussen
Up All Night - John Shanks, Take That, Jeff Rothschild, Graham Archer, Ryan Carline, Richard Lancaster, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, Wil Malone, Perry Montague-Mason, Derek Watkins, John Barclay, Mark Nightingale, Andy Wood, Owen Slade, Shari Sutcliffe, Stephen Marcussen
What Is Love - John Shanks, Take That, Jeff Rothschild, Graham Archer, Ryan Carline, Richard Lancaster, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, Ben Mark, Wil Malone, Perry Montague-Mason, Warren Zielinski, Patrick Kiernan, Boguslav Kostecki, Tom Pigott Smith, Steve Morris, Chris Tombling, Julian Leaper, Peter Lale, Garfield Jackson, Tony Pleeth, Martin Loveday, Chris Laurence, Shari Sutcliffe, Stephen Marcussen
You - John Shanks, Take That, Jeff Rothschild, Graham Archer, Ryan Carline, Richard Lancaster, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, Wil Malone, Perry Montague-Mason, Warren Zielinski, Boguslav Kostecki, Tom Pigott Smith, Chris Tombling, Julian Leaper, Jim McLeod, Alison Kelly, Chris Clad, David Woodcock, Liz Edwards, Simon Fischer, Jonathan Rees, Everton Nelson, Peter Lale, Tim Grant, Andy Parker, Rachel Bolt, Tony Pleeth, Caroline Dearnley, Dave Daniels, Nick Cooper, Mary Scully, Allen Walley, Shari Sutcliffe, Stephen Marcussen
Hold Up A Light - John Shanks, Take That, Jeff Rothschild, Graham Archer, Ryan Carline, Richard Lancaster, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, Jamie Norton, Wil Malone, Perry Montague-Mason, Warren Zielinski, Patrick Kiernan, Boguslav Kostecki, Tom Pigott Smith, Steve Morris, Chris Tombling, Julian Leaper, Peter Lale, Garfield Jackson, Tony Pleeth, Martin Loveday, Chris Laurence, Shari Sutcliffe, Stephen Marcussen
Here

good, but no beautifal world. 
I have now listened to this about 15 times and all the songs are very good. however there is no stand out song like patientce or shine. The lyrics, as ever are good, but without the big show stopper this is an album with out that special somthing.

Better Than Beautiful World album 
Take That's "Beautiful World" was really a great singles album, this is just a great album with a lot less obvious singles. 

Beautiful world was by no means a bad album, but some tracks sounded pretty run of the mill (aint no sense in love, like we never loved at all). Tracks like Patience, Shine, Reach Out and Beautiful World were stellar songs of course. 

This time, the guys have really out done themselves. 

Lead single Greatest Day continues the big orchestral rock ballad sound that Rule The World offered and this sound influences this album mostly. Tracks like You, Here, The Garden, Said It All have that epic-big-ballad-with-sweeping-strings sound. 

There are still Beatles-esque attempts like Shine this time too (Hello, Julie, Up All Night are similar in ways but not blatant rip offs of shine thankfully), 

All in all, the guys deserve the success they are having..... this is a strong follow up to Beautiful World..... 

Stand -outs for me: 
Hello, You, Here, Greatest Day, How Did It Come To This, The Garden, and the gorgeous ballad The Circus. 


Wow - Take That at their finest. 
Wow - I read all the reviews before buying this album and to be quite honest I was a little reluctant buying, as I read that the vocals were poor, the songs were over-hyped and that it was just too out of Take Thats comfort zone. Well I am glad I didn't listen to them. This is a spectacular album which I must agree does need a couple of plays before all the songs grow on you, however once you have listened you won't want to put it down. Songs like Up all Night, Julie, The Garden, Hello and Greatest Day all I am sure will be future no. 1's for this successful band. I can definately see why the album shot to the No1 spot in the album charts. I am sure you will not be disappointed, so go on buy your copy today.

Kings Of Leon - Only By The Night - 2008

  

The fourth album from the Followill brothers finds them re-connecting with their Southern roots. In a similar vein to 2003's 'Youth and Young Manhood', Kings Of Leon reaffirm their country origins while still writing powerful rock numbers that sit comfortably next to some revealing down-tempo numbers. Although this is the Kings Of Leon's heaviest to date, fans won't find it to be a huge departure from the band's already impressive back catalogue.

Track Listing
Closer
Crawl
Sex On Fire
Use Somebody
Manhattan
Revelry
17
Notion
I Want You
Be Somebody
Cold Desert

Already on course to be one of the year's biggest sellers, Only By the Night has sealed Kings of Leon's unlikely position as Britain's favourite American rock band. The Followill brothers (and cousin) have always been tagged as part of a southern rock tradition of family bands such as the Allmans and Lynyrd Skynyrd, a label they vehemently refuted. But the skinny lads certainly looked like a classic rock act, even as they took musical inspiration from indie contemporaries The Strokes and eighties new wave acts such as The Cure and New Order. Only By the Night is effectively a sequel to 2006's terrific Because of the Times, their third record and the first where they nailed their own sound, a striking amalgam of bluesy vocals and post-punk primitivism. In comparison Only By the Night consolidates rather than advances their style. The appropriately incoherent "Sex on Fire", already a chart topping single, is catchy but sounds lightweight next to songs like the fierce "Crawl" and the stadia-ready "Cold Desert" and "Manhattan". The dissonant, almost amateurish "17" is most out of place, though Caleb Followill still bawls it with the same passion he brings to even the clumsiest couplet. More notable are several sparse romantic pleas that often borrow licks from classic Southern soul. The yearning "I Want You" is little more than its title, but it certainly convinces, while "Revelry" and the vulnerable "Use Somebody" show signs of impending maturity. Only By the Night's simplicity certainly has a wide appeal. --Steve Jelbert

Customer Reviews

brilliant 
ths is a beautiful album- who cares what their previous stuff is like- this is THIS album- i love it - its a beautiful collection of great guitar melodies and words. calebs voice is honey and they music is bliss to go with it.really ace.

Arrested Development 
Once more the Kings have produced an album of sublime quality, all killer no filler. Yes its different in style from Aha and Y&YM but just a further development of the the sound we heard on Because of the Times. This change in style has nevertheless produced an album of the highest quality - again! My greatest concern going forward is what the hell do they play in their live sets - a problem which can only be answered by playing a 3 hour set surely? A tip - listen to all four albums on shuffle on your ipod it will prove to you that the only thing that has changed is nothing!!!

Wow 
Before this album I'd heard of the Kings of Leon but never really paid them much attention. I bought this album for three reasons 1) I'd heard 'Sex on Fire', 2) a friend said it was good and 3) It was cheap on Amazon. Wow, what an album. By far the best I bought in 2008 and I bet it won't be beaten in 2009. A cert for every award going next year. Can't recomend this strongly enough, it's Dave Matthews, Pink Floyd and Coldplay all in one but with ten times more energy.

Akon - Freedom-2008

'Freedom' is the third album by R&B singer Akon. Following the massive success of his 2006 release 'Konvicted', here Akon sticks to the winning formula of melodic pop and hook-laden R&B and rap. Collaborating with a whole range of guest stars including Lil' Wayne, Wyclef Jean and Young Jeezy - thisis Akon's most exciting album to date.

Track Listing
Right Now (Na Na Na) - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Giorgio Tuinfort, Mark "Exit" Goodchild
Beautiful - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Colby O'Donis, Jaylien 2010, Kardinal Offishall, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, Kaye Dunaway, Ed Tidow, Nate Hill
Keep You Much Longer - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, Giorgio Tuinfort, Trevor Shanks, Rob Gardner, Declan Gaffney, Nate Hill
Troublemaker - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Sweet Rush, Timothy ¿K-Figz¿ Walls, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, Rob Gardner, Chris Kraus, Richard Brown
We Don't Care - Akon, Giorgio Tuinfort, Trent Privat, Rob Gardner, Ed Tidow, Claude Kelly, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Mark "Exit" Goodchild
I'm So Paid - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Detail, Lil Wayne, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, Young Jeezy
Holla Holla - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, T-Pain, Javier Valverde, Richard Brown, Nate Hill
Against The Grain - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, Ray Lavender, Redone, Trent Privat, Rob Gardner, Ed Tidow
Be With You - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Hakim, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, Sam Holland, Leslie Brathwaite, Justin Trawick
Sunny Day - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, Wyclef Jean, RedOne, Mike Honeycutt, Leslie Brathwaite, Justin Trawick
Birthmark - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, Giorgio Tuinfort, Vincent ¿Life¿ Shaw, Nate Hill, Rob Gardner, Details
Over The Edge - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, Giorgio Tuinfort, Joe Koubek, Sam Holland, Ed Tidow, Nate Hill, Claude Kelly
Freedom - Akon, Aliaune "Akon" Thiam, Mark "Exit" Goodchild, Giorgio Tuinfort, Glenn Pittman, Kevin Mills, Rob Gardner, Nate Hill
Where Would We Go? - Akon
Product Details

Good move Akon 
I loved the 'One Man Band' (Highly recommend this) Mixtape album. Therefore keen for the release of this album and Im not disappointed at all. Although I find myself listening to 'Be With You' over and over again there are other great songs e,g. 'I'm So Paid', 'Against The Grain', 'We Don't Care', 'Holla Holla' the rest of the album is average with good European beats. It includes songs from the 'One Man Band' Mixtape and im not suprised. 4 stars

Freedom class!! 
I have always been a fan of Akon but never bought his albums however this 1 i bought just off the back of Right Now and i'm extremely happy with my purchase. It really has a dance feel to the album with a few slow songs but the songs that jump off the album are Beautiful, Holla Holla, I'm Paid, Troublemaker and Freedom an all round great effort.

magic 
Myself and my partner just love this album. Most of the songs mean a lot to us , the words blend in with the usual catchy tunes , 10/10.

Beyonce - I Am Sasha Fierce - 2008

'I Am.... Sasha Fierce' is the third studio album from the talented RnB star, Beyonce Knowles. Split into two separate discs, the incredible vocal ability of the former Destiny's Child singer is presented here in two halves. While one discportrays her fun and upbeat side, the other draws on the reflective, moody and passionate qualities that have always given her work so much depth. This remarkable follow-up to 2006's 'B'Day' includes the singles 'If I Were A Boy' and 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)', while this deluxe edition features five additional tracks.

Track Listing

Disc 1:
If I Were A Boy
Halo
Disappear
Broken-Hearted Girl
Ave Maria
Smash Into You
Satellites
That's Why You're Beautiful

Disc 2:
Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Radio
Diva
Sweet Dreams
Video Phone
Hello
Ego
Scared Of Lonely

The latest outing from former Destiny's Child starlet Beyonce is an intentionally schizophrenic affair. Splitting herself into two separate characters--herself and alter ego Sasha Fierce--is the artist's way of presenting what she obviously sees as an artistic duality. The first set, I Am... is intended give a glimpse beneath the surface of her usual R&B-pop persona. Featuring recent single "If I Was a Boy," the soaring "Halo", and ballads like "Disappear", and "Ave Maria", it seems her "real" self is way more saccharine than the lady that brought us sassy pop moments like "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy". That side of her personality comes rushing back out on Sasha Fierce, a more rousing collection that kicks off with the infectious handclaps of "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", ventures into Euro-dance territory with "Radio" and gets surprisingly risque with the voyeuristic "Video Phone". Which part of the album you enjoy most will depend on your musical proclivities, But the new, bifurcated Beyonce ensures there's enough diversity to satisfy the most demanding pop aficionado. --Danny McKenna 
Customer Reviews

Absolutely fantastic!! 
This is an absolutely sensational album in my opinion-I have never been a massive Beyonce fan and whilst I enjoyed Bday-it is not even in the same league as this collection. 

The first CD is mainly made up of great ballads and mid-tempo songs: 
1.If I Were A Boy-great pop song, justifiably high-charting! And her performance of it on X-factor was outstanding. 10/10 
2.Halo-Repetetive chorus makes this song addictive and powerful. 10/10 
3.Disappear-Great lower range showcased here. 8/10 
4.Broken-Hearted Girl-Love the synth effects on this fantastic ballad. 9/10 
5.Ave Maria-Verging on operatic, beautiful! 9/10 
6.Smash Into You-A hypnotic song, brilliant again! 9/10 
7.Satellites-In my opinion the weakest song on this CD, not bad though. 7/10 
8.That's Why You're Beautiful-The powerful guitars make this song great. 8/10 

The second CD is much more uptempo, although that's not to say there isn't a place for ballads here. 
1.Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)-Growling Beyonce is back! This takes a second listen to get into it. 8/10 
2.Radio-Slightly strained vocals, but I do like the song. 8/10 
3.Diva-Not my kinda song really-tuneless. 5/10 
4.Sweet Dreams-Love this song. 9/10 
5.Video Phone-Very strange premise, not my favourite. 7/10 
6.Hello-This is probably my favourite song on both CDs, a classy uptempo ballad. 10/10 
7.Ego-This is such a different sound, with its blaring trumpets and it works. 9/10 
8.Scared Of Lonely-The only song here that is a bit forgettable, not bad though. 7/10 

If you want a representative sample listen to the two lead singles, plus Hello, Diva and Halo.

I expected something so much better.. 
Its not a terrible album but it's far from perfect. 

Each song sounds the same and the album is far from interesting.. a big let down from Beyonce

Is this your sweet dream or your beautiful nightmare? 
Beyonce's recent release, "If I Were a Boy" helped greatly to make me decide to buy this album. Once I learnt that it contained two CDs, one full of ballads and one for the part of her that is meant to be more fierce, I decided it was an interesting concept and so bought this verion with extra tracks. 

Disc 1, I AM... opens with the brilliant single, "If I Were a Boy". This, for me, is typical Beyonce. It begins very gently, almost understated, but then builds up to a crescendo, making it a real stunner. Her voice, and the lyrics make this one of the most intelligent and heartfelt songs that I have heard for a long time. 
"Smash into You" from this CD is also worth a mention. Again, her voice is shown off to its full power. 
Disc 2, SASHA FIERCE opens with the equally brilliant "Single Ladies", pure dance. The attitude that we have begun to associate with Beyonce is on this track; one of a independent lady who knows how to say it like it is. 
"Video Phone" gives us the chance to see Beyonce's more naughty, risque side. 
My favourite from this CD is "Sweet Dreams". It has the edge that Beyonce is trying to create with her alter-ego, Sasha Fierce, but it also has the usual magic that you expect of her. The song is catchy and the music is brilliant. 

So, those are my standout favourites from the two CDs. Personally, I think the first CD is the most consistent, and I enjoy more of those tracks than the second disc. I suppose, whichever 'side' of her you prefer says something about yourself and your tastes. While this is not a bad album, I understand people's views when they say they would have liked more consistency. All in all though, it was an interesting concept and it didn't fall flat on its face. There should be enough to entertain you - would recommend this version, as you get more songs for your money.

Leona Lewis - Spirit The Deluxe Edition - 2008

 

This re-release of Leona Lewis' debut contains the singles that made her an international superstar, as well as one or two extra gems that helped her along between albums. Most notable among the extra recordings here is Lewis' version of Snow Patrol's 'Run', an impassioned, revolutionary recording for the singer, and one that goes some way towards jettisoning completely the millstone of having won a TV talent show. The album itself showcases Lewis' unique vocal talent at itsmost explosive and intimate, and serves as a fine entr e toher career.
Track Listing

Disc 1:
Bleeding Love
Whatever It Takes
Homeless
Better In Time
Yesterday
Take A Bow
I Will Be
Angel
Here I Am
I'm You
The Best You Never Had
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Footprints In The Sand
A Moment Like This
Forgive Me
Misses Glass
Run

Disc 2:
Bleeding Love - UK Version
Bleeding Love - US Version
Better In Time
Footprints In The Sand
Forgive Me
A Moment Like This
Forgive Me - Making The Video

Customer Reviews

A rehash of an already weak album 
First off, Leona lewis is someone I truly respect and admire. I supported her through the X Factor in 2006. From the moment she first performed on the live shows that year, it was obvious she had something special. Her raw vocal talent was and remains undoubted. As a person, you can tell the shy, humble and polite young lady we watched on tv was genuine. Today, after massive success worldwide, she remains a humble and soft-spoken young lady. You can tell she truly loves to sing and it's not about being famous for her like it is for so many of the reality tv contestants these days. 

All this aside, I hate to admit, I for one was (last year) and still am gutted by how poor her debut album really is. It might be continuing to sell by the truckload thanks to the success of Bleeding Love, general media hype and now the excellent Run but it's inevitable when album number two comes, I sense then the backlash will hit. 
I'm sure a lot of people are buying the album and finding it way too formulaic and samey.... One mid-tempo ballad after another. 

Apart from Bleeding Love, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Whatever it Takes on the original album released last year, I never listened to the rest much. The odd time, I tried but none of the tracks grew on me. They simply smack of formulaic album filler.... Tracks like yesterday, angel, the best you never had, take a bow, I'm you, here I am.... Well they all sound so samey and unoriginal, bog standard modern American r and b. 

What reflects so badly on this album is the fact that after just two singles- Bleeding Love and Better In Time, Leona's label basically realised that despite another 12 album tracks to chose from, they couldn't find anything special enough to release as a single that could be a hit... so they do what greedy record labels do best... re-release the album with new singles tacked on with varying success.... 

Forgive Me- they mightn't have bothered, although it shows a more fun and uptempo side of Leona, it's not a great pop song... it hardly set the charts alight either. 

Misses Glass- another album filler track, why did they bother? There was enough filler tracks before.. 

Run- Well what can I say, this track gives me hope for what Leona could do yet in her career. Spine-tingling, a modern masterpiece, so moving and convincing... just like she used to be on tv. Wouldn't this more mature sound be perfect for Leona as opposed to all the trendy-but-dull/ repetitive mid-tempo r and b ballads this album mostly consists of. A number one hit and so well deserved too. It just goes to show that it aint Leona's fault this album is so bad, it's the rubbish songs she has been given to work with... Simon Cowell needs to pull his finger out, just because he got Leona working with hip songwriters like Ne-yo, Ryan Tedder etc on this album, it doesn't mean they have given her great stuff to work with... 

Bleeding Love, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Whatever it Takes and Run are the only really good tracks on this album... But Run does give me hope that Leona can steer her music out of this rnb mid-tempo ballad rut she is in now... maybe her label will see now that a more adult contemporary, soft rock sound would serve Leona best. 




I have this at last ! YAY ! essential purchase! 
Yay! This arrived this morning. I had previously attempted to get Leona Lewis's 'spirit' but satanic rituals were not powerful enough to cope with a 'deluxe edition' spirit found in a woman who has coped with being so hideous. 

back atcha......... 
I purchased the original release of this cd on its first day of release, and must admit it was the most disappointing cd that i ever purchased, after all the hype and all that jazz - however after hearing Forgive Me, and the mega-selling download Run which i am a fan of from Snow Patrol - i decided to buy this deluxe edition, and the cd hit me straight in the face. I took to it straight away, and the voice that i voted for every week on X-Factor was back. From start to finish this cd is glorious, i don't think UK has a female singer quite like Leona. Admittedly i am a huge Mariah Carey fan, so i really wanted to slate this cd but i just cant, the voice is stunning, and Run will go down to classic status, or should do anyway - 1 extra bonus track Misses Glasses, kinds of passes without recognition. This album will please everybody i am sure, and ending on a high note of Leona's debut it includes 6, yes 6 Top 5 singles!!!!