Take That vs East 17... (The Very Best Of East 17 - East 17)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	The Very Best Of East 17 - East 17
Date:	14/09/09 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: all the hits

Disadvantages: some weak songs

East 17 were the poor man's Take That some say. They held their own in a stiff boyband climate though and managed to notch up an impressive run of top ten hits. Despite attempts to reform, it never really came to fruition and they have always had to settle for runners up to Take That's pole position.

The group comprised Tony, Brian, John and Terry. The music was written by Tony and Brian handled the majority of the lead vocals. The other two stood at the back and danced a bit. There are eighteen songs on this album.

We kick of with the brash 'House Of Love' which is a suprisingly powerful pop workout. Chanty chorus, sirens going off and gallant vocals show promise. It has all the right ingredients for a debut single. We move to 'Deep' which is a steamy melanchonic affair, where the vocals are all breathy and sensual. It is a stark contrast to the opener.

'Stay Another Day' will forever be tied in with Christmas, a remarkable ballad with sterling vocals and an emotion piano from Tony. The song is very festive thanks to the bells!

Back to more relentless energy, as 'Steam' and 'Let It Rain' both deliver showstopping bursts of bravado. These are the kind of tracks that gave the group an edge. Pop driven, but with elements of funk and dance to make it a cut above the competition.

Their duet with Gabrielle is perfectly judged and soulful. Gabrielle is on fine form and she works well with Brian, as both try and outdo each other in the vocal stakes. Less successful is their attempt to cover the Pet Shop Boys on 'West End Girls.' It loses the charisma of the original and lacks style.

I can pass on 'All Around The World' which has quite a whiney and self important chorus and I am also not fond of 'Gold' which is way too shouty and tries to be another 'House Of Love.'

The album also features newer singles like 'Each Time' which is a successful soulful pop song with aching vocals and a genuine sense of passion lurking in the lyrics.

Not Take That, but a worthy and pretty throrough hits compilation.

Summary: pretty good