CD review - Michelle McManus - The Meaning of Love (From Barry And District News)

CD review - Michelle McManus - The Meaning of Love

MUCH to the surprise of plain-talking Pete Waterman, Pop Idol hopeful Michelle McManus forced the music industry to take another look at the way they market their artists.

The 23-year old woman from the outskirts of Glasgow blew everyone away with her sparkling wit and lively personality, not to mention her impressive voice. But while the media was convinced Michelle may have the talent but not the look they pop world needed, her positive outlook on her personal image was busy winning the hearts of the voting millions.

Her debut album The Meaning of Love are all ballads. The first single All This Time is also the first track on a CD of 14, and it really does sum up her achievements to date.

Performed superbly, Michelle creates each song into her own style, but it is a pity that the songs have not been written with any real flare. Some of them seem muffled and you are unable to hear her voice with the clarity you might expect over her backing singers.

Michelle sings with emotion in her voice and potentially Michelle has a great career ahead of her, but she really needs to turn some of her experiences into songs that will remain in the mind longer than in the ear - or she might find herself forgotten as quickly as her melodies.