Label: Parlophone
Release Date: 25/06/07
Rating:
The founding Sugababe returns with her second album, and it's, quite frankly, astonishing. Donaghy slipped out of the public eye after her first solo effort 'Revolution In Me', but this effort with producer James Sanger sees the 22 year old transform into a veritable pop goddess.
Famously holed up in the south of France with the eccentric Sanger, the two of them set out to give Donaghy the chance to let her beautifully controlled vocals shine. Instead of producing a run-of-the-mill, radio-friendly, chuck-in-the-supermarket trolley album, Donaghy has given us eleven tracks of utterly exquisite, sophisticated pop.
Opening with the comeback single 'Don't Give It Up', the soft beats and electronica give way to a lush chorus highlighting Donaghy's expressive tones. This is what pop is all about, in its purest form - simplicity that makes your heart soar and stays with you long after. Current single 'So You Say' is a bit of an anomaly. Even though it's still miles better than most songs around, it is vastly different from the rest of the album, missing the ambient vibe and other-worldliness that abounds elsewhere. A misleading choice of release, perhaps?
What follows are tracks such as 'Sometimes' and 'There's A Place', which are delightful to listen to, but the only thing missing is an individuality stamped on them. However, the album suddenly begins to get a lot more intriguing towards the end, with 'Goldfish' being an autobiographical plea from the tough times recording in France.
When most records from a non-established act get the good stuff out of the way early on, it is testamant to Donaghy that she saves the best for last, thus proving that she has lovingly prepared this album to be savoured. 'Medevac' is a stunning tour de force; another documented account of the diffucult and intense writing period, showing off Donaghy's voice to fantastic effect. The heavenly Massive Attack-inspired 'Halcyon Days', with its glorious, uplifting chorus is a definite album highlight. Donaghy has spoken about her musical education from Sanger and she has clearly taken onboard Cocteau Twins' influence with the final, title, track. 'Ghosts' is the sort of number that would've had her burned at the stake a few centuries ago, but luckily we live in enlightened times, where we salute such genius. Backwards vocals over random lyrics give the effect of an unidentifiable language, and it's all done over an eastern influenced background. What a send-off to this astounding album.
Becky Reed
Siobhan Donaghy Official Site
Siobhan Donaghy Myspace
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