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PALOMA FAITH - 2009 - 2012 (2 ALBUMS)

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"DO YOU WANT THE TRUTH OR SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL?"   2009       STONE COLD SOBER - Great debut single from Paloma, has a slight Country twang but is deep in Blues Soul, a bit of everything with some awesome vocals.  Gave us a teaser for what was to come from the fearless singer.     SMOKE AND MIRRORS - A kind of 60s Pop feel to this track, a more laid back vocal this time. BROKEN DOLL - A darkly soft ballad with a distinct Musical feel, Paloma again taking on different styles that has since become her trademark. A little Eartha Kitt or innocent quality of Marilyn Monroe. DO YOU WANT THE TRUTH OR SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL? - Pure Soul Pop on this title track.  A beautifully (no pun intended) sung and almost 60s era style. UPSIDE DOWN - A great Jazz/Soul hybrid, its fun, its slinky and delivered in the unmistakeable quirky Paloma Faith style.  Love this, its cool.  You can see the dancers sancing behind her in a vintage smoky bar.   ROMANCE IS DEAD

TEARS FOR FEARS - 1983 - 1984 (2 ALBUMS)

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"THE HURTING" 1983 THE HURTING - The duo's debut album opens with a typical 80s New Wave track, sometimes sombre and mysterious with a little Progressive Rock undertones.  Nice arrangements and attention grabbing on first listen. MAD WORLD - An 80s classic in my opinion, the unmistakeable clanking percussion and the eerie vocals.  The third single from the album reaching number 3 on the UK chart.  A very mature Synth Pop/New Wave fusion with a simple but memorable chorus.   PALE SHELTER - The second single from the album and Tears For Fears' first top 10 hit reaching number 5 in the UK chart but only after a re-working and re-release.  One of my favourite tracks of the 80s and by the band.  It is a New Wave track with light, melancholic verses and a big chorus.  The harmonies and vocals are great on this.     IDEAS AS OPIATES - An atmospheric minimalist track with vocals set in the background of the music.  Medieval-like and choral at times but not a major track

CHASING INFINITY - 2015 (1 ALBUM)

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"INACTION" 2015     GROUNDED - This album Pop Rock opener reminds me of a raw early version of Bangles, some great guitar work and really eases you into the album with a swagger. DANCE WITH THE ONE THAT BROUGHT YOU - Laid back Pop with Adele Halsall's pure, bright vocals making this an absolute gem.  The half Acoustic momentsand big chorus are awesome. CRIME OF THE SCENE - Red Hot Chili Peppers with a female vocalist! Love this track, chugs along at a pace and its funky. HELL WOULDN'T HAVE YOU - Chili Peppers meets Blondie here. It's funky, rocky and frenetic.  Sheer class. TAKE ME BACK - Not as catchy as the previous tracks, its pure "live" cut back sound sounds cool but its a lesser Pop track, more like a demo for me. GATEWAY - Very much reminds me of Gwen Stefani and No Doubt, it's quirky, sweet and rocky enough to keep you engaged.  One of my favourites with is catchy chorus.   DEBRIS - Some New Wave Pu

MADONNA - 1983 - 2003 (9 ALBUMS)

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"MADONNA"   1983 LUCKY STAR - The opening track is a Disco Pop song, which became her trademark for this debut album before moving into more Pop areas in her next few albums.  Its mid tempo beats and twangy guitars and elctro synths made this an accessible staple to radio airplay connecting to a variety of listeners.  Classic Madonna. BORDERLINE - A change of direction after the first upbeat song, this is a kind of Pop ballad set to a Disco track.  Some lovely harmonies and became her first top ten hit in the USA.  A Reggie Lucas written composition and it gave Madonna chance to explore her vocals and conveying emotion in her songs.  One of my favourites. BURNING UP - One of my top songs by Madonna.  Similar to the later "Gambler".  It is a fast paced Disco beat laden track with a rockier twist with random guitar riffs.  A real gem.     I KNOW IT - This track is keyboard led and has a nice 60s Pop/Rock N' Roll vibe akin to the later "True Blue".  A

OLIVIA RODRIGO - 2021 - 2023 (2 ALBUMS)

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 "SOUR" 2021   BRUTAL - Olivia Rodrigo's debut album opens with a scorching 90s Brit Pop Punk track, reminding me of Elastica and Sleeper in its female angst ridden vocals. It also has me thinking of Wendy James and Transvision Vamp in its brash style.  The former Disney star shows she has left that way behind with great Indie Pop Rock album with a few expletives thrown in for good Punk measure! TRAITOR - A slowed down tempo for this track, a beautiful, soft and melancholy Indie Rock track similar to Avril Lavigne in style with maybe a little nod to Kate Bush or Tori Amos in the atmospheric vocals? Love this track.  Reached number 5 in the UK chart. DRIVER'S LICENSE - Perrfect Pop break-up ballad, Taylor Swift, Sophie B.Hawkins and Michelle Branch spring to mind on listening to this.  Beautiful heartfelt vocals over a sparse, orchestrated style moody backing.  Really nice and accomplished composition from 18 yr old Olivia and her debut single.  This first outing a