NEW MUSIC EAR : Album Reviews

"FAITH" 1987   FAITH - Reaching number 2 in the UK chart, this minimal Rockabilly styled track opens this debut album, although it is debatable (or obvious) that Wham! was essentially George's baby albeit accompanied by Andrew Ridgeley in some small way. This was a short, sharp funky track with just guitar, bass and basic percussion (apart from the cathedral organ at the intro) and allowed George to carry the song with the vocals. FATHER FIGURE - This single reached number 11 in the UK chart and is a Pop ballad of sorts with a slight drumbeat and had some mystical Asian infuence in parts and Gospel in the big chorus.  An emotional song and shows the more mature side of George, making the "Young Guns" days seem very far away.   I WANT YOUR SEX (Parts 1 + 2 ) - This Funk infused Disco track is a gem and reminded me much of my idol Prince in its sexy rhythm and almost lascivious lyrics.  Banned in some media outlets but it is a great slice of Pop Funk.  It is co

"ALISHA RULES THE WORLD" 1996     IRRESISTIBLE U ARE - Album opener, a sweet almost lullaby short song, gorgeous harmonies and sweet vocals with an Eastern feel and childlike kaleidoscope backing. INTENSE - The most angry and most Rock song on the album, very Alanis Morissette, would not be out of place on Alanis' own "Jagged Little Pill".  Great song. I AM, I FEEL - This was the track that got me hooked, as a fan of Wendy and Lisa (part of Prince's Revolution band), this track did remind me of their beautiful harmonies and melodies and the vocals had a hint of Alanis Morissette's croaky angry vocals, a class song.     INDESTRUCTIBLE - A mesh of Spice Girls and Sneaker Pimps with Kelli Ali, ambient sounds and almost psychedelic backing.     ALISHA RULES THE WORLD -  This title track had elements of Motown, pure Pop and was a little like The Bangles, great song. WHITE ROOM - 70s Psychedelic track with almost Cynd

"TOUCH ME" 1986   TOUCH ME (I WANT YOUR BODY) - Sometimes making a huge switch in careers can be troublesome.  Samantha Fox started as a 16 year old glamour model and became the most sought after pin-up girl in the 80s.  However in 1986 she turned to music and released this great Pop album.  Opening with this massive debut hit, number 3 in the UK chart its a great slice of Synth and Dance Pop with hints of Rock.  Catchy, saucy, sexy and memorable.  I'M ALL YOU NEED - The fourth and final single from this album only reached number 41 in the UK chart.  This is a really nice, quirky Synth Pop track epitomising the early to mid 80s Electronic music boom.  Catchy chorus and some lovely vocals from Samantha. SUZIE, DON'T LEAVE ME WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND - A kind of Motown/ R n' B simple track.  Doesn't really go anywhere to be too engaging on the ear.  Not one of my favourites and definitely a filler here. WILDA KIND OF LOVE - The intro shouts of "Wild" so

  "BLOODLINE" 2016   BLOODLINE - The opening track to this debut album by the band from Tucson, Arizona is a taster for the rest of the album.  A merging of many genres but keeping with the Latin influences and "desert rock". It is almost Gothic Rock and Punk in places with a hint of Nick Cave and Iggy Pop.  The eerie effects and twangy guitars add the Blues style and New Wave connections.  This is Rock but not as you know it, awesome.   VAMPIRO - The frenetic almost Rockabilly guitars back up a moody, desperate vocal.  It reminds me at times of BowWowWow but without Annabella Lwin's angry vocals.  Love how it incorporates the Latin and cowboy western style rhythms.  Experimental at its best and has a strange Punk danceability KILLER - This track is the most Pop styled track so far.  Its calypso and almost ska feel is usually linked to Cumbia Rock which the band have infused into their unique music.  Its quirky and endearing melody and mid tempo backing inter

"3 FACES" 2015 LEAP INTO THE STORM - The opening track of the album is a light, mid tempo Rock song. It very much reminds me of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers with that laid back, cool style.  It is a Country Rock Pop track which includes a great guitar solo interlude at around the 3 minute mark!It is a fine album intro! ANSWERS - This is an unusual and strange track.  The music is Alternative 80s Pop Rock and that is fine by me.  I am never negative in my reviews but the singer Billy Anderson's vocals seem a little out of place in the song.  The monotone Bob Dylan style drops the song into bland territory.  It seems to just meander along and the vocals just don't work for me, but it is just my opinion.  The music is great but is dragged down by the voice.  However, the big redeeming feature is the 20 seconds or so Rock guitar near the end but its a little too late to save it.  More of the guitars and a different singer may have got fi