Singles Reviews 11/21/05

Let There Be Love – Oasis (4.5/5)

Here’s a real treat for Oasis fans--A song featuring both Liam and Noel on lead vocals. This year’s release Don’t Believe the Truth was heralded as a return to form for the the group, and this beautiful, gentle third single stays the course. After two great hard-hitting singles (“Lyla” and “The Importance of Being Idle”), they’ve chosen to release their mellowest single to date. The vocals roll out slowly over piano chords and acoustic guitar strums. Near the end, hand claps predictably ensue, but you’ll enjoy it more if you start to sway gently. A perfect late fall release (11/28).

Because of You – Kelly Clarkson (4.5/5)

Already a huge hit in the US, Clarkson switches to ballad mode for her third UK Breakaway single (“Breakaway” itself still having not been released in Britain). The song was produced and co-written (with Clarkson) by David Hodges and Ben Moody, formerly of Evanescence. While not as dramatic as that band’s singles, there is some drama here and certainly some darkness: the song is about a woman wounded by a failed relationship, who by not letting anyone else get close to her, is in fact making the same emotional mistakes that ruined her former mate. Not exactly Britney Spears balladry, eh? It’s brooding and dark, scored with pianos and soaring strings. A classy single from the classiest act of the current brood of young pop stars (11/28).

Hospital Food – David Gray (3.5/5)

Like “The One I Love,” this sounds upbeat until you listen to the lyrics. Lots of guitars and keyboards, with a jaunty plodding melody. Definitely a livelier choice for second single than “Alibi,” as previously reported. The verses aren’t that great, but the chorus pulls it all together well (11/28).


Stickwitu – The Pussycat Dolls (3.5/5)

If “Don’t Cha” was a divider (either you bought the hard bass girl group revival they were going for or you thought it was trite), then “Stickwitu” is a uniter. It’s a by-the-numbers, old-fashioned pop ballad with sweet synth, strings, piano and even harmonica underlying the girls gentle harmonies. The song builds nicely to its bridge, but loses steam afterwards. Still, it’s a pleasant affair that will sound great on the radio this winter (11/28).

You Are My Sister - Antony & The Johnsons (Featuring Boy George) (4/5)

Here's something different. Antony & The Johnsons were the surprise winner of this year's Mercury Music Award, the UK's prestige music award. Their gig: Antony's warbly, androgynous voice over gentle, dark, sometimes jazzy piano-and strings-driven tracks. For this track, Boy George offers his assistance too, and the results are haunting and slightly reminiscent of Evanescence's "My Immortal." It's quality stuff, but don't expect it to chart well (11/21).

Denial Twist - The White Stripes (4/5)

Think White Stripes' simple formula is getting old? Think again. Jack and Meg deliver another floor-stomper, not unlike their last single, "My Doorbell." They even perk this one up with a few additional instruments: piano, maracas, and bass guitar. It's brash, immediate, and clocking in at 2:37, over before you know it. Short and sweet.