James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
Matt Cardle was the 'serious' X-Factor winner. He played his own instruments, covered a Biffy Clyro song and even got signed to the legendary Columbia Records. He namedropped worthy bands like Dave Matthews Band and Pearl Jam as influences. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists when singing. Matt wasn't going the way of previous male X-Factor winners like Leon Jackson and Joe Mcelderly - he was going to write his own songs and become a credible singer-songwriter.
Of course, this being an X-Factor album, none of this turns out to be true. Take one listen to lead single 'Run For Your Life.' Strings, piano and sweeping choruses show that the 'epic' dial was turned up to 11. His voice is technically good, in the sense that he seems to hit the high notes. But it's devoid of any personality or charm - just another bland, soulless ballader destined for Radio 2 drivetime.
The rest of the album plods along in the same vein. 'Starlight' follows a similar pattern to 'Run For Your Life' and you could be forgiven for thinking they were the same song. 'All For Nothing' sees Cardle belting out another massive chorus, but he doesn't quite have the vocal chops to pull it off, coming across as whiny and Bono-lite.
Matt's clearly being consulting The Book of Songwriter Cliches on songs like 'Beat Of A Breaking Heart' and 'Stars & Lovers," whilst 'Reflections' and 'Slowly' are instantly forgettable. The centrepiece of the album, 'Letters' breaks the mould slightly - hey look, there's a guitar solo! - but its glossy production and a running length catered to radio prevent it from really taking off.
There's nothing especially awful about Cardle's new album. It’s just a mundane offering. It's middle of the road, adult contemporary schlock that'll fit right in on the Radio 2 playlists. As vile as Cher Lloyd's 'Swagger Jagger' was, at least it provoked some kind of reaction.
I don't think anybody was expecting Cardle to release his very own Sgt. Peppers, but perhaps there was a glimmer of hope that he would break the cycle of turgid, middle of the road balladry. Yet in true X Factor form, this is focus group music, designed to appeal to every demographic possible. In doing so, he's created something that's utterly boring. Come on, Matt: you were promising us an unholy hybrid of Michael Jackson and Rage Against The Machine, and you give us something that sounds like a Take That B-side?
For Cardle, The X-Factor was a last ditch attempt at success rather than something he truly believed in. If his recent interviews are anything to go by, he's keen to distance himself from the show, and forge some kind of credibility as a serious artist. Maybe he'll pull a Charlie-from-Busted move and drastically remodel himself. Perhaps then he can make the album he really wanted to make. But right now, he's just another X-Factor puppet churning out souless, generic mush. Oh well, at least he's stopped wearing those stupid hats.
You must log in to submit a comment.
