Yahoo! Music Album Review

Released on 20/11/2000
Label: Columbia

'The A List' begins, rather predictably, with the smash hit version of A-Ha's 'Take On Me'- by not changing it very much at all other than ultimately, making it sound far more like a camp disco pop track than ever! Which is, of course, no bad thing- instant Number One!

The album continues with A1's recent single, the fabulous 'Same Old Brand New You', which sounds like a classic boy band single. So far, so good. Only problem is, there are a futher thirteen tracks on this album - can they all live up to the standard set here? Well almost.

As is so often the problem with recent pop albums, 'The A List' tends to trail off a tad towards the end. On the way though, there's a few fine tracks to be getting on with. 'Too Bad Baby' is fairly typical pop RnB, and pretty enjoyable for it.

And is 'Tomorrow' being released as a Christmas single? If not, why not? It's got everything a Chrismas Number One should have - strings? Check. Whimsical verse? Check. Vaguely triumphant sounding chorus? Yup. It's Westlife-tastic!

'She Doesn't See Me' is more balladeering, with touching lyrics and Ben sounding uncannily like Michael Jackson, "And the closer I get I can't help but hide - so ashamed of my body and voice", very personal sounding for a Boy Band. Incidently, when is someone going to put out a Best Of Boy Bands album? Just imgagine - NKOTB's 'The Right Stuff', Take That's 'Back For Good', etc. Anyway, I digress.

You see, the slight niggle with this album is that occasionally you find yourself wishing for the kind of good songwriting which graces singles and yet seems to neglect album tracks. That said the likes of the uptempo 'Nothing But Trouble'has radio friendly single potential. It's just filler ballads like 'I'll Take The Tears' and album closer 'One In Love', that let the side down a bit.

So, by all means, buy this album if you want to have a laugh and a dance and a smooch - but it doesn't get any better than the singles.

    by Rebecca Dien-Johns