| Product: |
3 Words - Cheryl Cole |
| Date: |
31/10/09 (47 review reads) |
| Rating: |
 |
Advantages: amazing songs, superb vocals, great price, attractive
Disadvantages: Will.i.am
The X Factor may be one of the most popular shows on British television, but more often than not I have found myself asking the question, Why? Yes it is amusing to see the appalling acts make fools of themselves in front of the nation, and the intensity of the last few live shows is incredible. Though to be honest the new format drives me insane. It resembles Britain's Got Talent too much - I liked the fact that the two were completely different in the sense that the auditions were simply in front of the judges with the X Factor. So for me, I do not adore the X Factor now quite as much as I used to. I feel that if it was not for the judges, I would not watch at all.
Of course, the judges make up quite a big part of the show, and for the past few years we have had one very special judge indeed. Of course, I am talking about the lovely Cheryl Cole. Ex-member of Girls Aloud (their split is debatable - I feel they're not just 'taking a break') first found fame after she and the four other members of the band won Popstars: The Rivals, with their first release 'Sound of the Underground' going straight to number one in the Christmas 2002 charts. From there, it was all uphill.
When I first heard that Girls Aloud were 'taking a break', I was devastated. I have followed and admired everything they've done for the past seven years, and couldn't bare the thought that they would be no more. Though, when I finally came to terms with this, I decided to look for all the silver linings possible. The launch of Cheryl's solo career was definitely a major silver lining!
As soon as I heard Cheryl's first song, 'Fight For This Love', I fell in love with it instantly. I found myself putting it on loop on my iTunes, and I practically wore out my iPod listening to it. So when I discovered that she was to release an album not too long afterwards, I preordered straight away. Finally it was released on the 26th October (2009), and two days later, it arrived through the post and on my doorstep.
As I pulled the CD case out of the bubble-wrapped envelope, I was filled with a sudden rush of delight. The cover itself looks amazing. It has a main silver colour to its background, with a image of Cheryl on the front. She looks so tiny, wonderful, with a large hat shading her face. Turning to the back I could see the CD contained eleven tracks, of which only one I had heard. A few of them featured Will.I.Am, which was a little annoying - I never have liked him. I still have high hopes for the album though. With that, there was nothing left to do except to control my excitement by listening.
Track One: 3 Words (featuring will.i.am)
The first track is 3 Words, which is also the name of the album too. At first it reminded me of something along the lines of Nate Richert's style, though as soon as Cheryl started singing, my opinion changed completely. The reasonably mellow song is sung in a similar style to Summer Nights (Grease) in the sense that you have Cheryl singing her side of the story, and then Will.i.am singing his. It has a constant beat to the song, which you simply cannot tap your feet along to. It's most certainly a wonderful song that I feel will do quite well.
Track Two: Parachute
Track two is 'Parachute', thankfully sung just by Cheryl! Its another reasonably slow track, but with a strong rhythm to it. The vocals are very crisp and clear so you can hear every word, making it easier to learn the lyrics. "I don't need a parachute baby if I've got you!" Though the lyrics to all of the songs are also included in the little book inside the album in case you need a helping hand. It's such a sweet little song about dedication and love, and most certainly worth a listen.
Track Three: Heaven (featuring Will.i.am)
The third track once again features Will.i.am. Letting this annoying thought go to one side, I listened intently. It has quite an interesting introduction, with Will.i.am singing first of all, with Cheryl coming in slightly later. Cheryl doesn't sound like Cheryl though, I would not recognise her voice if I did not know it was her. Nonetheless it is still a great track, bordering on the style of the Pussycat Dolls, with a great tempo.
Track Four: Fight For This Love
Despite the fact that I listen to the song about forty times a day, I still found myself listening to Fight For This Love on the album straight away too. I cannot praise this track enough. The tempo is superb, the rhythm is amazing, the lyrics are out of this world. Whenever I hear the upbeat song, I picture Cheryl's live performance on the X Factor (if you missed it, youtube it!). I adore this track more than ever, and have a feeling I will for a long time!
Track Five: Rain On Me
When I first heard of this track, I fell in love with it instantly. It's not too fast, with a nice and steady tempo, but its the power in Cheryl's vocals that I adore more than anything. While the verses are good, the chorus is outstanding. I have a feeling I might end up wearing this song out too - I love it!
Track Six: Make Me Cry
The title of this track alone is quite typical. Everybody who knows anything about anything will know that Cheryl has had quite an emotional time recently, so this is most appropriate for here album. The introduction is quite bizarre, a mix of raindrops and popping bubble wrap. The vocals themselves are quite peculiar too, but incredibly interesting. It's very zippy, but very interesting. Rather than the sorrowful song I expected, its more of a comeback, Cheryl standing up for herself. Also, the language is slightly stronger in this track than any others. It's definitely a great track, very powerful.
Track Seven: Happy Hour
This is definitely the most cheerful track as far as the title is concerned! At the beginning it sounds quite bollywood, in parts out of this world. Once again the vocals are quite clear and it was then that I discovered that itw as not actually not a very cheerful song! Cheryl sings about being apart and being distant from her lover, very emotional indeed.
Track Eight: Stand Up
Track eight, 'Stand Up', is one that I found I had actually heard before without realising. It is quite upbeat compared to the other tracks, and is definitely one I prefer too. The lyrics are not as clear as some of the others, but they're very lively and are sure to make you stand up and dance!
Track Nine: Don't Talk About This Love
"I'm in so deep, I'm scared to death. It's like I could drown, it's effortless"
That's what you're greeted with the instant the track kicks in. Its almost like Cheryl is trying to stress a point! It's an incredibly emotional track, mellow and heartbreaking, that makes me feel for Cheryl more than ever. It's not my favourite to sing along to as its not that powerful as far as the vocals are concerned, but the words themselves are incredibly strong. If you aren't reduced to tears at the end there's something wrong!
Track Ten: Boy Like You (featuring will.i.am)
The second last track on the album features Will.I.Am, and once again I hate to admit that it is indeed quite a catchy tune. It's got a change of tune from the previous track, this one being a lot more upbeat and positive. It focuses more on a connected relationship, rather than being deep in water. It has an incredibly catchy rhythm and well worth the listen.
Track Eleven: Heartbreaker (will.i.am featuring Cheryl Cole)
The last track on the album is actually by Will.I.Am, featuring Cheryl Cole. Yes, the track itself was not too appalling, but it is not one I would pay to download alone were it not on this album. It says it features Cheryl, but she sings for a very small part of the track. The song itself is not too bad, but I think it is quite pathetic that the last song on Cheryl's own album, the song that generally has the most impact, features very little of Cheryl!
Despite the last track, this album can only be described as flawless. Each track is unique, with a different story to tell and vocals that will blow you away. I love the fact that Cheryl's accent is quite clear in many, making me proud to be a Geordie, and the strength in her voice is phenomenal. I paid £8 for this album on Amazon.co.uk, which I feel is well worth it. It will provide you with forty five minutes of entertainment and amazing music - what more could you ask for?
I have a feeling Cheryl's solo career is going to take over our charts by a storm. 'Fight For This Love' has already reached number one, and I cannot wait to find out what else she has in store for us. This album is phenomenal and well worth buying. Now, I am just waiting for Nadine and Kimberly to start their solo careers and we'll be well on our way to a perfect music industry. Until then though, this album will do just fine.
Amy 2009
Summary: /
|
Last comments:
|
- 18/11/09 I love the single & would like to hear the album too. |
|
- 02/11/09 I must admit i wouldn't buy the album, i find Cheryl has very average vocals but i worry about your comments "she looks so tiny, wonderful etc etc." I find her a poor role model her tiny frame on National TV puts pressure on young impressionable girls and women, i also think her attitude is rather poor and she has definitely started to show her true colours. Good review, perhaps i should give it a listen. |
|
- 01/11/09 I really like "Fight For This Love" |
View all
5
comments
|