Pop lie #418: the British public has no taste. While there is some evidence for this proposition (Bryan Adams!) the best thing about "Pop Idol", "Popstars" et al is the glorious proof it has offered to the contrary. The flimsiest, least imaginative individuals to have spewed forth from these shows (Gareth, Hearsay, Michelle "neither pop nor idol" McManus) have all been sent by to musical Coventry by record buyers. Meanwhile, those with style or imagination have been clutched to our collective bosom - Girls Aloud, Liberty X and, of course, Mr Will Young, the man who unites tweens and grandparents in cooing love.
The third single from his second album follows the path of the chart conquering "Leave Right Now", in that it is unassuming, gentle and sneaks into your nervous system like a particularly subtle virus. It's also a wonderful showcase for his voice, an instrument which Young has clearly worked hard at improving. Where once it was angular and mannered it is now geniunely, gorgeously soulful, able to make even the utter, utter tosh of these lyrics sound moving.
My grandmother will be pleased.
