Singles Reviews

Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae (5/5)
Woman in Love - Liz McLarnon (4/5)
Suffer Well - Depeche Mode (4/5)

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Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae (5/5)

Heard this yet? If not, then you haven't heard the first new big artist of 2006. Corinne Bailey Rae actually released a single last year, "Like a Star," but received little attention. Things are different now, as this is poised to be huge, and already is top 5 in UK airplay. The melody is uplifting, miminal, and soulful. The lyrics are sweet, sentimental, but not sappy. Perfect for those sunny spring days we're all dying for by now. (Out 2/20).

Woman in Love - Liz McLarnon (4/5)

Liz McLarnon steps out solo here, the first of the former Atomic Kitten members to do so since their band split up a couple of years ago. The results are better than expected. The track kicks off with a dramatic, dark flourish. Guitars and synths work standard mid-tempo pop magic, but Liz pulls it off with better than average vocals. This sounds like something Charlotte Church should have put on her album. (Out now)

Suffer Well - Depeche Mode (4/5)

Their last single, "A Pain That I'm Used To," was a letdown after the return to form that "Precious" was. Things are back on track with "Suffer Well," which could pass for an update of "Personal Jesus" with a faster tempo. Immediate, dark, and enjoyable--what Depeche Mode are at their best. (2/20)