All Rise

Description

After three top five singles, two of which went straight in at number one, four-piece Blue release their debut album All Rise. Having heard "Too Close", "If You Come Back" and the fabulous "All Rise", the rest of the album doesn't offer many surprises. The catchy formula of poppy melody, smooth harmony and simplified r&b repeats throughout the 12 tracks, so if you liked the singles, you'll love the album. On the odd occasion the formula does stray slightly off the beaten track as with "Bounce", a fiery piece of bubble-funk with shades of Britney Spears, or the token rocker "Back to You" which would have benefited from a backdated collaboration with Bryan Adams. In summary, All Rise is a brilliant debut, providing Blue are your cup of tea but if not, then you may find it all a bit lacklustre and flat. --Georgina Collins