Album
Zak Abel
Only When We're Naked
Atlantic Records (label)
06 October 2017 (released)
14 October 2017
Zak Abel is ready to make the big jump from featured artist to fully-fledged popstar. Having worked with Gorgon City, Avici, Wookie and Jarreau Vandal on diverse singles, he has already shown that he has a killer vocal, but as with all featured artists the jump across to solo stardom is not an easy one. However with popstar good looks and a hype surrounding his slightly delayed debut release, all signs point to Only When We're Naked being the next step on his route to international stardom. But does it really deliver?
The answer is both yes and no. While the title hints at something a little on the naughty side (even if he is wearing a T Shirt on the album cover!), the truth of the matter is that there is as much Joe McElderry to Zak Abel as there is Justin Bieber. He is not naughty, he is not nice - he is the happy medium.
However, is that what is really important? Of course not. The bigger question is whether away from the established artists who have featured him, does Abel really have the powerful pop punch that sets him apart from his contemporaries.
Yes, just about. This is not a debut release that will change your world. It is an above average release, that is solid but not boundary breaking. There are enough the pop hooks, the addictive choruses but a lack of heart and bite.
That being said, there is nothing to not enjoy on the album. From The River to All I Ever Do (Is Say Goodbye), he shows that he is able to entertain and engage his listener even if he doesn't quite blow their socks off.
Only When We're Naked is a solid introduction to a strong songwriter who needs to find his own voice. Zak Abel may not have got it spot on, but as debuts go this is a sturdy release that will guarantee his career stays on its upwards trajectory.
The answer is both yes and no. While the title hints at something a little on the naughty side (even if he is wearing a T Shirt on the album cover!), the truth of the matter is that there is as much Joe McElderry to Zak Abel as there is Justin Bieber. He is not naughty, he is not nice - he is the happy medium.
However, is that what is really important? Of course not. The bigger question is whether away from the established artists who have featured him, does Abel really have the powerful pop punch that sets him apart from his contemporaries.
Yes, just about. This is not a debut release that will change your world. It is an above average release, that is solid but not boundary breaking. There are enough the pop hooks, the addictive choruses but a lack of heart and bite.
That being said, there is nothing to not enjoy on the album. From The River to All I Ever Do (Is Say Goodbye), he shows that he is able to entertain and engage his listener even if he doesn't quite blow their socks off.
Only When We're Naked is a solid introduction to a strong songwriter who needs to find his own voice. Zak Abel may not have got it spot on, but as debuts go this is a sturdy release that will guarantee his career stays on its upwards trajectory.
