Pop Idol
The Big Band Album

Distributed by
RCA

Year: 2002

Rating: 8/10

Cat. No: 74321932412

Pop Idol: Big Band Album.

First... The not so good

A couple of so-so tracks from Aaron and Korben. It sounded like their hearts were not really in it. They sang well enough, but I found myself skipping the tracks after a short while.

The very good

The best tracks were by Zoe. Her 'Get Happy' was just astoundingly good. I also loved Will's opening song which was sung in his own unique style and worked really well. Hayley's 'That Ole Devil Called Love' was a joy to listen to as well. Jessica Garlick: Now this girl has a voice that really gets the spine tingling, I could listen to her for hours. If there is any justice she will win the Eurovision song contest hands down.

The good... but slight reservations.

Gareth. he hits the right notes, ennunciates well, does a good performance,but... for me, his voice doesn't really stand out. Rosie Ribbons, again nice voice, but you can hear her occasionally struggling and having to force the song. The Gareth and Zoe duet was a bit unbalanced, Zoe's voice is much too powerful for duets with Gareth ;) Laura. Great personality, which comes through in the song, she does have a bit of trouble with the lower register though, but sings well enough for her to make a nice career on a cruise liner or similar ;)

The enigma.

Darius. Dunno... he's entertaining, sings well, great rich voice, but for some reason I get this feeling that he's winging it, really cant make my mind up. I do like him though, he's fine entertainment, so I suppose that's all that matters.

The Band.

Great band, some really outstanding piano playing... I would love to find out who played it.

To sum up.

A cynical exploitation after the success of Pop Idol? or a fine set of songs, sung well and performed excellently on the whole?

Mostly the second, probably a smidgen of the first as well, but what the hell, we are exploited every time we shop in Tesco, at least we get to hear some fine music this way.

The full track listing is as follows:

1. Will - Beyond The Sea 2. Zoe - Get Happy 3. Darius - Let There Be Love 4. Gareth - Mack the Knife 5. Jessica - Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye 6. Aaron - I Get A Kick Out Of You 7. Zoe - I've Got You Under My Skin

8. Hayley - That Ole Devil Called Love 9. Will - I Won't Dance 10. Korben - Night & Day 11. Rosie - Cheek To Cheek 12. Laura - They Can't Take That Away 13. Gareth & Zoe - Oh Look at Me Know

Review copyright © Mike Warren, 2002.