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Review: Jack Foley
IN ELECTRO-pop terms, Annie is something of a rare artist. Not
content with merely cashing in on the mainstream sound of the
likes of Girls
Aloud and Kylie Minogue,
the talented Norwegian brings something a little bit different
to the mix.
Hence, while Annie's debut album, Anniema1, might not
be as immediately commercial as certain mainstream artists, it's
a far more rewarding listen.
Former single, Chewing Gum, is a classic case in point.
It's a bouncy, playful but hopelessly effective dancefloor filler
that gets the album off to a flying start.
It comes as no surprise to find that Richard
X lends a hand to production duties, given its offbeat, almost
indie, style.
The same exuberance that's rife throughout Chewing Gum
is to be found at several points on the album, which always manages
to stay a cut above most mainstream fare even during its less
striking moments.
The slinky beats and funky retro vibe of No Easy Love
is another strong track, blending an effortlessly chic rhythm
with Annie's honey-dripped vocals.
While the 1999 effort, The Greatest Hit, which famously
samples Madonna's Everybody, provides a timely reminder
that Annie was not the one-hit wonder many wrote her off as being
when the track first surfaced.
Heartbeat, another former single, yet again shows that
the singer can make an impression on the chart without having
to conform.
It takes its cue from the Euro-chic of Kylie Minogue, yet retains
an innocence that some of the Australian singer's outfits might
find astonishing.
If that's not enough to recommend it the electro-pop crowd, then
consider the following.
At other moments, the album recalls the vocal brilliance of Opus
III's age-old classic, It's A Fine Day, as well as some
of the darker elements of artists such as Goldfrapp
and Bjork.
That's not to say it's flawless - certain songs flounder, such
as the painfully bland title track, Anniema1, and the
equally tepid Helpless Fool For Love.
But on the whole the album rates highly, making Annie the surprise
package of the year so far - someone who can appeal to the masses,
while also providing some vibrant and captivating pop for the
more discerning listener as well.
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