Fascination (label)
01 November 2010 (released)
05 November 2010
It appears Cheryl Cole can do no wrong, and second solo album 'Messy Little Raindrops' continues to reinforce her as a credible pop artist.
Lead single 'Promise This' still sounds as strong now as when I first heard it, but beyond this track are plenty of top pop tunes with a host of guest artists to add their weight. 'Yeah Yeah Yeah' feature Travie McCoy as the hands-in-the-air euphoric beat drives this track forewarn. Next single 'The Flood' sees Cheryl in a more reflective mood, perhaps driven by her break-up - its a big ballad number that I'm sure will do as well as 'Promise This'. Talking of break-up's 'Happy Tears' sees Cheryl achieving some serious closure on her relationship, talking about burning suits, slashing tyres and crying happy tears only when you have gone - Ashley Cole are you listening!!
The other collaborations are with 'Dizzee Rascal, Will.I.Am and August Rio, the later sounds like Justin Bieber! However, teh tracks Cheryl performs alone really do stand on their own two feet as well. 'Hummingbirds' is a gentle pop tune, sounds slightly dated but still seems to fit well here overall. 'Raindrop's is sort of teh title track, and again is a strong pop song that allows Cheryl's vocals to really standout over the gentle musical accompaniment.
Closing track 'Waiting' is one of two to shoehorn in a huge 80's sample -using teh piano riff from Vanessa Carlton's 1000 Miles; the other is the Will.I.Am track 'Let's Get Down' as it rips Freeez's I.O.U (fantastic 80's dance track!!) - love what they have done with this one.
Overall, Cheryl Cole has delivered a strong album that I have enjoyed immensely over the past couple of weeks. She is certainly no flash-in-the-pan and I'm sure Messy Little Raindrops will be at least as successful as '3 Words'
