Yahoo! Music Album Review

Released on 29/08/05
Label: Island

Anyone who thinks that the top ten is either a) a glorious temple to shiny plastic pop or b) a parade of boy/girl band drivel, obviously hasn't been paying close attention of late. With the odd, shining exception (hello, Girls Aloud), the hit parade has slowly succumbed to the same soft rock sickness the album chart long ago fell dead in its rocking chair from. Daniel Powter, Coldplay, Oasis…no wonder the British public has left the island in droves for hotter, more pop-friendly climes.

This theoretically makes McFly's return highly welcome. They may have been on the dull side last time around, with their tiresome Beatles covers and Beach Boys fixation, but at least they had energy and a clear, grinning love of pop. Surely they can storm in and see off the likes of the heinous James Blunt? The answer is yes, but not convincingly enough. Because on second album "Wonderland", McFly have taken another step towards the trad rock respectability that leads slap bang into the middle of the road. It's getting busy there. Perhaps a truck will be along soon.

Still, we must be thankful for what we've got. First single and number one "I'll Be Okay" is a bustling, busy little number, with enough sugary harmonies and a big enough chorus to bring some light into a dingy summer. Or there's "Too Close For Comfort", which may show off its accomplished grasp of key changes (key changes!), but is also catchy enough to make the school disco jump again. Best of all is "Memory Lane", which builds slowly and gently into a bouncing pop joy, and works precisely because it is so comfortable with itself.

That can't be said for the self-conscious "The Ballad Of Paul K", a mod homage with the kind of clumsy sneering lyrics that made so many people once want to punch Damon Albarn, nor the heavy-handed, slushy instrumental "She Falls Asleep Part One". But neither are as bad as "I've Got You", which could be studied for decades by pop scientists without ever turning up a trace of an interesting melody.

Perhaps it's unfair to criticise McFly for turning out a fairly accomplished soft rock album with a few great pop moments. But these are desperate times, and pop fans need more from their last few hopes. Oh Sugababes, where are you?

    by Jaime Gill