#9: Better In Time - Leona Lewis
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(C) 2008 J Records. |
James Blunt - Goodbye My Lover
This third single from the ridiculously successful Back to Bedlam album is a far less typical or commercially pleasing affair. More understated than previous releases from the record, its touching words are moulded around an achingly raw partnership between bare piano melody and Blunt’s distinctive vocals. Don’t expect this one to top the charts though - practically everyone in the country already owns this album, and the song is certainly not as accessible as ‘last dance of the school disco’ favourite, You’re Beautiful.
#9: Better In Time - Leona Lewis
Coldplay - Talk
Mr Paltrow and his backing band appear to have hopped into a time portal and ended up in the 80’s for this drab, synth filled offering, in which there is about as much emotion as your standard episode of Neighbours (accentuated due to the unfortunate decision to release this as the follow-up to the exceptional anthem Fix You). Not unlistenable, but instantly forgettable. You get the impression that Talk is destined to be relegated to the track listing of a least one ‘Drive Time Classics’ album in the months ahead. Come on boys, you can do better
Sigur Rós - Hoppipolla
It is no wonder that Sigur Rós are relatively little known in the UK, where Icelandic music begins, and indeed ends, with Bjork’s It’s Oh So Quiet. However, rest assured that the band’s critically acclaimed new album Takk should settle a few scores, especially this, the second single from the record. A whirlpool of Nordic post-rock bliss, Hoppipolla combines a full orchestral sound with a memorable piano riff and haunting, childlike vocals which pull on heartstrings you never knew you had. Blunt take note - THIS is how to do it.
Nizlopi - The JCB Song
#9: Better In Time - Leona Lewis
When a song is labelled a favourite for Christmas number one, I don’t expect to like it, nor do I even expect to find it mildly amusing. This, however, I find offensive to any unsuspecting person who may have turned on the radio at the wrong time, or, unsuspecting, bought it for an insistent younger relative. Torture for the ears, and very possibly the worst record ever made.
