NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"SHE'S SO UNUSUAL" 1983     MONEY CHANGES EVERYTHING - The opening track of Cyndi's debut album was a cover of The Brains'  1980 underground hit.  New Wave Rock Pop, Cyndi explores her vocal range to the hilt with some ear piercing, amazing high notes, which critics' adored later on her career.  Great uptempo start to a great album. GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN - One of Cyndi's signature tunes and became a feminist anthem and a hit all over the globe.  Perfect 80s Pop, with elements of Dance and Rock, and an unbelievably catchy sing along chorus.  One of the best and most memorable songs of the 80s decade. WHEN YOU WERE MINE - As a Prince fan I recognised this cover version on first listen.  A brilliant 80s Synthpop style track where she kept all of the he/him/his pronouns in the lyrics.  A mid tempo ballad that stands on its own and gives Cyndi's album a more mature track amid the hits.   TIME AFTER TIME - One of my f

 "YUNA" 2012 LULLABIES - Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna opens her first international debut album with a laid back ballad.  Yuna's gentle, soothing voice echoes eerily over a slow tempo Trip Hop style beat.  Lovely introduction to this lady. FAVOURITE THING -  An engaging, captivating vocal drifts through a slow melodious Synth Pop styled backing .  Dreamy Pop. REMEMBER MY NAME - This track has a delightfully quirky and sparse backing but reminds me of the style of Simon and Garfunkel.  A little upbeat and uplifting Folk Pop for your ears. DECORATE - Another soulful slow Pop ballad with stunning vocals.  This was also the title of her debut Malaysian album. PLANES - Straight forward Pop this time, almost Acoustic backing and a really catchy chorus.  One of my favourites. BAD IDEA - An unusual switch after the Pop of the previous track.  This is a jazzy, chanteuse styled track that has a "musical" feel to it.  Yuna is no one trick pony and even on this fle

"SONGS FOR GENTLE SOULS" 2020 RUNAWAY - The debut album by former The Fireflys' members, singer-songwriter and guitarist Lee Wylding and drummer Andie Packer begins with a gem.  This opener reminds me of a classic Bon Jovi or Def Leppard track that's part of an Acoustic set.  I always loved that change of style with the orchestral sounds lifting their famous songs.  Lee gives a brilliant, emotive Rock vocal that merges with the delightful melancholic melody. THIS HOUSE IS OURS - The tempo turns up a gear for this, with an Irish Folk style rhythm.  An instant foot tapper and  catchy chorus lifts this debut single.  Imagine a Pirate crew having a sing-a-long chugging some Rum with you clapping and stomping the deck!.  Awesome.     BRANCHES - A favourite of mine from The Fireflys' back catalogue gets a new re-working here.  This version emits even more emotion than the original.  There is a lovely Country twang as the track is slowed down a touch to be more of a F

"BOMBS AWAY" 2014 GERONIMO - The album opener and this is the song that caught my attention to this great Australian Indie sibling band.  The driving, almost marching band drumbeat keeps the pace throughout while the fabulous harmonies from George and Amy Sheppard and melodies bring this storming song to life.  The chanted chorus that sticks in your head instantly makes you incapable of not singing along with it! Catchy, powerful, inspiring and uplifting.  An absolute gem.     SOMETHING'S MISSING - Slowing down a little after the opening track.  This is a more melancholic track, Acoustic sounding as it builds up pace as the song progresses.  Beautifully composed and produced, its a little Country and a little Folk Rock.  Reminds me a little of The Corrs in some moments, brilliant. LET ME DOWN EASY - A chirpy kind of 50s and 60s Rock N' Roll Pop.  The song grabs you with a fabulous rhythm that will make you nod your head, click your fingers or tap your toes.  Irresis

 "MUD ROCK" 1974 ROCKET - The debut album opens with this fourth single from the set that reached number 6 in the UK chart.  An original composition by renowned writers Mick Chapman and Nicky Chinn.  It is a straight up Pop Rock track with a memorable chorus as was Mud's forte.     DO YOU LOVE ME/SHA LA LA LA LEE - Medley of The Contours 1962 hit (written by Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr.) and Small Faces' 1966 hit.  Despite the difference in the originals' styles these two songs merge brilliantly to make a cool Rock 'n Roll track. RUNNING BEAR - The first cover on the album written by The Big Bopper (Jiles Perry "JP" Richardson Jr.) and gave Johnny preston a big number 1 hit on his debut in 1959.  It's a mid tempo almost Native American sounding blues song. THE HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE - A Rock 'n Roll/Blues/Rock combo track with some great guitar solos.  One to really rock out to! SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL/SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR - A medley of