We've got reviews of the new albums and singles coming out this week, including the Sugababes and Girls Aloud, Brett Anderson, Pink, Lucie Silvas, Joss Stone and a whole host of schmaltzy compilations put out just for Mothers Day. Click below to see our views, and leave your own reviews in the comments section...
Sugababes and Girls Aloud - Walk This Way reviewed by Danny Johnson
This year’s official Red Nose Day single is a cover of Run DMC and Aerosmith’s hit, Walk This Way, given a special stamp by two of the UK’s biggest girlbands. Rather than trying to better the original, the girls have pumped it a bit and had fun in the process. A must-buy, but certainly not for the remix, just for the charity. 5/5 for charity, 1/5 for musical ability.
Brett Anderson - Love Is Dead
Suede’s former frontman now goes solo, with Love Is Dead being the debut taster for his new self-titled album. Written and co-produced by Brett, who describes the single as being “rare” for being able to hit the mark, it’s a return to his previous form, good or bad. It's a must for Suede fans, but it leaves the rest of us a little cold. 2/5
Pink - Leave Me Alone (I’m Lonely)/Dear Mr President
Known for not mincing her words, P!nk returns with two blasters. Leave Me Alone (I’m Alone) portrays a feeling many women can identify with, where they tell their partners to give them some time. A controversial protest letter to George Bush, Dear Mr President, is the highlight here, where her pensive side is revealed. 3/5
Lucie Silvas - The Same Side
Those who remember her last album Breathe In will be surprised at the maturity that Lucie shows in The Same Side. Her voice is stronger and more controlled, and the self-penned lyrics are savvy. She shines on The Same Side, Place To Hide, Counting, and the bonus track, which sees her vocals being used to their full potential. The piano-driven album was performed and recorded on Freddie Mercury’s piano, on which he wrote the hit song, so fingers crossed for its success. 2/5.
Joss Stone - Introducing Joss Stone
Many seem to think that Joss is going through a crisis, but she says in opening track, Change, “we are born to change”, and it sounds like that’s what she is doing here. The 19-year-old’s talent cannot be denied: she sparkles through a handful of songs on her third album - Tell Me What We’re Gonna Do Now, Bruised But Not Broken and What Were We Thinking - hinting at the Joss we loved before. Don’t expect a repeat of The Soul Sessions and Body, Mind And Soul - Joss has grown up. 3/5
Various - World’s Best Mum and I Love Mum compilations
Mother’s Day is the time for schmaltzy compilations that mums would supposedly love to receive. Aimed for the yummy mummy, World’s Best Mum has today’s tunes such as Leona Lewis’ A Moment Like This and Beyonce’s Irreplaceable, combined with random hits like Sandi Thom’s I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair). I Love Mum, however, features more relevant tracks from the predictably cheesy Tina Turner’s The Best and Spice Girls’ Mama, to Queen’s You’re My Best Friend. 2/5