I don't watch the X Factor anymore. In fact I haven't watched it for a few years now and so whilst I had obviously heard of Matt Cardle, I didn't really know what he was about, until I recently heard some of his songs. For those of you who don't know, Matt Cardle was the winner of last year's (2010) X Factor.

Letters is the debut album from Matt Cardle. It was released in the United Kingdom in October 2011 and so the album is very recent. The CD is currently available for sale from Amazon for a price of £8.00 which I think is fairly good value for money.

~ * Track Listing * ~

1) Starlight 2) Run For Your Life 3) All For Nothing 4) Pull Me Under 5) Amazing 6) Faithless 7) Beat Of A Breaking Heart 8) Stars & Lovers 9) Letters 10) Reflections 11) Walking On Water 12) Slowly 13) When We Collide

~ * What Do You Think? * ~

Not bad! Not bad at all, especially for a debut album. I have to say I am impressed! Before this album, I wasn't really sure what Matt Cardle was all about, however I can now say that I know for certain what he is all about. I am actually a fan now! J


~ * Does He Write His Own Stuff? * ~

Oh yes! He has written the majority of tracks on the album which to me shows that he is a proper musician - much better than previous X Factor winners such as Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson (I mean, where are they now?). So yeah, full marks for Matt on the song writing front.

~ * Any Songs Which Stand Out? * ~

Run For Your Life - this was the song that made my ears prick up, as it is the debut single from the album. I really like it. Also, this song was written by Gary Barlow...which just means that it is going to be a good song - and it is!

I also like Starlight, All For Nothing and Beat Of A Breaking Heart. A lot of the songs have a guitar background to them, which is nice, as it is real music, compared to a lot of 'electric' and 'computer' sounding songs that you get these days.

~ * Any Songs Which Stand Out For The Wrong Reasons? * ~

Nooo!! There isn't one bad song on the album, which for me says a lot. I do think, however, that a lot of the songs on here are quite similar which means that sometimes I do get a little confused over which song is which. However, they are all likable though J
~ * What About His Voice ? * ~

He has a husky kind of voice. I think that he sounds a lot like James Morrisson, so if you like his voice, then I am sure that you will like Matt's voice.

I would definitely recommend this album.

Thanks for reading!
October 2011
Xdonzx / xd-o-n-z-x