Released on 22/04/2002
Label: Virgin

Apart from the smoothly reassuring image of Guinness, U2 are probably the most bankable ambassadors of Ireland. With this in mind, it's no surprise that the svengali behind Westlife and Boyzone has hijacked one of their signature tunes for his latest pop project.

While all-girl ensemble Bellefire's wide-eyed innocence and gleaming smiles are wholesome enough, they hardly inspire much more than a casual nod of acknowledgement at present.

At least they can sing. But why saddle them with an impossible task of bettering or even replicating a near perfect song? And the unimaginative bleeps slapped on in the name of 'innovation' by one-time Spice Girl writers seems akin to adding synths to 'Let It Be' or a two-step beat to 'Stairway To Heaven'.

Not one for the purists.

    by Chris Heath