Music This week

It would be unkind to state that the strongest selling point of Cheryl Coles debut solo album is that shes in the middle of a rather public split from her footballer husband,Ashley Cole. For an album that is full of songs about love puppy love songs,break up songs,redemptive love songs its all here. That is probably why most cynics wont expect to hear anything new. And on some level,one doesnt the lyrics are trite,the melodies are recycled and the sentiments seem jaded. Who before hasnt sung I dont need a parachute/baby if I got you/ youre gonna catch me/ if I fall as Cole does on Parachute.

Cole has a light,pleasant voice,flexible enough to fit the lovelorn tone of the rather pedestrian Dont Talk About This Love and the belligerent tone in the 80s inspired Fight For This Love. Theres a lot of hat-tipping to Ramp;B and hip hop,like in her collaboration with Will.i.am,Boy Like You. The song has got a very Pussycat Dolls vibe,but less sexy mama and more pop princess. Cole may not be exploring new territories lyrically or sonically,but shes earnest. Shes no longer a girl aloud or the weepy,maternal figure on The X-Factor. Shes a woman whos known love and been hurt and shes expressing it the best way she can.

The strongest track is the title song with Will.i.am,3 Words,which opens with a surprisingly liquid and mellow guitar riff. It proceeds to incorporate thumping disco beats,and despite the laughably simplistic lyrics,manages to hold attention. The comparison of love with alcoholism in Happy Hour Im only good if I can have a sip and the not-so-subtle allusion to her marital troubles make this song rather engaging. One surprising inclusion is Heartbreaker originally released as a Will.i.am song,it features Cole only for a few seconds on backup vocals.

 

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