Album
Annie
Don't Stop
Smalltown Supersound (label)
19 October 2009 (released)
22 October 2009
Annie is one of those pop stars that deserves so much, but unfortunately has suffered one set back after another. Her debut album Anniemal was a slice of electro-pop genius, and promised great things. Island Records signed her up, but then dropped her before her second album was released. A year or so the album has finally been released, and yet again Annie has (in X factor judge terms) 'nailed it'.
'Don’t Stop’ contains 12 near perfect electro pop tunes, with more than a hint of 80’s in there. Her distinct near spoken vocals again define this album with dreamy pop tunes nestling along more upbeat Ting-Ting esque tracks.
There are numerous top tunes on her, and with each listen more depths are discovered. Xenomania have been drafted in for some tracks, with 'My Love is Better’ being their showpiece – this could easily sit on a Girls Aloud album, but Annie ultimately adds a different angle to the more pop sound of Girls Aloud. Title track 'Don’t Stop’ is nearing 80s hip-hop in its beats with Annie vocals commanding proceedings. 'Songs Remind Me Of You’ is very female Pet Shop Boys with driving synths defining the track. The real highlight for me though is the atmospheric 'Marie Cherie’, which takes elements of all that is good about Saint Etienne, but with Annie’s pop-perfect reworking – this is a blissful interlude from the up-tempo pace of the rest of the album.
The Breakfast Song is a bizarre inclusion, and I am still undecided on this track. Annie chants 'What do you want, what do you want for breakfast’ over a frantic beat – the verse works well but I can’t get my head around the chorus, yet.
'When the Night’ again slows things down, and would fit well as the closing track. Gentle vocals and cinematic ballad music creates a track just the right side of twee.
'Don’t Stop’ is another triumph for Norway’s most talented pop export. With Little Boots, La Roux and even Lady GaGa filling this space whilst Annie wrangled with record labels, hopefully there is still room for the original female electro popstress.
'Don’t Stop’ contains 12 near perfect electro pop tunes, with more than a hint of 80’s in there. Her distinct near spoken vocals again define this album with dreamy pop tunes nestling along more upbeat Ting-Ting esque tracks.
There are numerous top tunes on her, and with each listen more depths are discovered. Xenomania have been drafted in for some tracks, with 'My Love is Better’ being their showpiece – this could easily sit on a Girls Aloud album, but Annie ultimately adds a different angle to the more pop sound of Girls Aloud. Title track 'Don’t Stop’ is nearing 80s hip-hop in its beats with Annie vocals commanding proceedings. 'Songs Remind Me Of You’ is very female Pet Shop Boys with driving synths defining the track. The real highlight for me though is the atmospheric 'Marie Cherie’, which takes elements of all that is good about Saint Etienne, but with Annie’s pop-perfect reworking – this is a blissful interlude from the up-tempo pace of the rest of the album.
The Breakfast Song is a bizarre inclusion, and I am still undecided on this track. Annie chants 'What do you want, what do you want for breakfast’ over a frantic beat – the verse works well but I can’t get my head around the chorus, yet.
'When the Night’ again slows things down, and would fit well as the closing track. Gentle vocals and cinematic ballad music creates a track just the right side of twee.
'Don’t Stop’ is another triumph for Norway’s most talented pop export. With Little Boots, La Roux and even Lady GaGa filling this space whilst Annie wrangled with record labels, hopefully there is still room for the original female electro popstress.