DISCLAIMER: I'm counting this as a "rate the leaks" post because the official album has not been released yet. However, these tracks leaked recently, so it's fair game since this could indeed be the final product. I'm disappointed the the hyped cover of "2 of Hearts" -- the Stacey Q song -- didn't make the cut (why?), so that leads me to think perhaps the leaks are not the final versions of "Don't Stop". I do hope the songs are redone and rethought for "Don't Stop 2.0".
The REVIEW: Underwhelming.
Okay, I have raved about the single "I Know UR Girlfriend Hates Me" and even liked the leaked track "Loco" (here), but after multiple listens, Annie's album Don't Stop just doesn't do it for me.
A couple tracks, which I'll get into in a moment, stand out as decent, but most are either average or just forgettable, really. And for me to admit that is sad because I really like Annie and her previous album Anniemal. I didn't really care for her DJ Kicks set, but that was Annie as a "DJ" mixing other folks' songs. She doesn't sing the majority of the tracks, and she should have. That would have been way more fun.
Let's take a track by track look at Don't Stop, shall we?
- "My Love Is Better" (3:19) This one's full of backstage drama. Girls Aloud, whose new track "The Promise" has been tearing up the Interwebs the last few days, sang backup on the demo. Drama ensued when the Girls wanted the track removed from the album. Does that tell you something? Speaks volumes to me. In any event, the album track is sans-Girls Aloud and is just Annie. I lump the song as one that I like and also one of the trio of "guitar" songs. How awesome would this have been with Girls Aloud on it? Almost sure to have gone Top 10 in the UK.
- "I Know UR Girlfriend Hates Me" (3:08) Best track on the album. Hands down. This is Annie doing what Annie does best.
- "Sweet" (2:53) Guitar trio track #2. Catchy, happy, toe-tapping song. I like.
- "Loco" (3:12) Reviewed and liked previously. Still like it. Guitar trio track #3.
- "Bad Times" (3:56) UPDATE: Not sure what I was thinking, but I really like this one too. How I got "filler" before, I dunno? I am going to blame my notes! Very solid track. I like the driving yet soft synths.
- "I Can't Let Go" (3:42) Was called "Misery" and has a dude singing with her who adds NOTHING to the track. He actually sounds like the lead singer from the Buggles. Yikes!
- "Marie Cherie" (5:15) Spooky track with a sad violin. Childhood friend here or what? She pangs, "Come back to me" and "Stay with me" ... for the dead/missing childhood friend or something else? Not feeling this one either.
- "When the Night" (3:31) William Orbit-esque sorta ballad with acousitc guitar and smooth synthy background. OK track.
- "Heaven & Hell" (3:22) Despite the Bible-thumpy name, this is a happy, bubbly track that feels like a 60's girl group song. I like this one.
- "What Do You Want (The Breakfast Song)" (3:10) W.T.F? Crazy food mantra track. Pointless filler. Not good.
- "Take You Home" (4:26) Sister song of "Marie Cherie" with spooky "woooos" in the background. Great for Halloween, not necessarily for an album.
- "Songs Remind Me of You" (4:05) A GOOD track and could be a successful single if marketed properly.
I think I may have been expecting more "Chewing Gum" and what I got was mainstream pop. Clearly, Annie's music has evolved since Anniemal. And she has every right to grow musically. I am just not sold on the new sound. Yet.
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6 comments:
It's kind of a shame that this album is so underwhelming - Granted - there are some decent tracks on here (I Can't Let Go, Bad Times, Songs Remind Me Of You) - but the rest of the album is just forgettable.
See, for me there are only four tracks from her first album that usually make the iPod cut--at best--and only two I really absolutely adore ("Chewing Gum" and "Me Plus One"), though to be fair I've been thinking I need to revisit it given all the positive vibes around it.
Anyway, the point I was getting to is the fact that there are, say, seven (maybe eight) or so iPod-worthy songs on this means that I was content/pleased with Don't Stop. I love "Bad Times" and "I Can't Let Go" a lot more than you, though! It's too bad this album didn't really work for you--maybe if it's true she's reworking things (is that true or totally invented?) you'll like the version eventually released more.
Thanks Aaron. I think my problem is that I was expecting "Chewing Gum"-esque stuff and I guess her music has changed, evolved.
PPG, I don't know what I was thinking about "Bad Times". I had some notes and must have mixed it up because I really do like this one! Annie's move from the dance/club sound toward more mainstream pop I think is what I was not expecting.
Perhaps with some more listens I'll find more songs that are ipod-worthy?
Nothing wrong with sounding like 'Buggles' Yuri! Want to hear this album but yes can imagine it doesn't quite live up to the hope!
Camera Shy x
Oh no! We disagree a lot here! "I Know UR Girlf..." is my LEAST favourites, "Can't Let Go" features the vocals of the mighty lead man from legendary Datarock, and I think the Breakfast Song is PLEASANTLY BONKERS. But there's only one song I don't like on here and that's Heaven & Hell. Makes me a little queasy.
Poor Annie! :(
i agree wholeheartedly J-Viv; love Annie. This album.... not so much. And it's not a crime to feel so, clearly the public feels similarly, since the first single fared disappointingly and 3 months after its release, there is still no set second single selected. anyhow, not hating.. just saying!
x
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