In Case You Didn't Know - Olly Murs Album Review

Olly Murs

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Album Review

There is something that is ultimately irritating about Mr Olly Murs. Even putting aside the constant cheeky chappy demeanour, the fact that he was borne out of the excrement that is The X Factor and the impression of a Cliff Richard wannabe, there is still the fact that he is like some inedible male equivalent of the nation's Cheryl Cole. He is probably a very nice chap in person, and certainly he seems to have a fan following - as attested by sales of his first album, although who they may actually be comprised of is a mystery.

'In Case You Didn't Know' is the follow-up to last year's self-titled debut and was apparently a 'tough' one to work on. We feel your pain, Olly, love. Bringing in the Rizzle Kicks for some reggae-style infusion on opening track 'Heart Skips A Beat' to lend a little gravitas smacks of trying too hard to be right-on. Released as a single, it went straight to number one in the UK charts, so no doubt Olls is chuffed at that. Doubtlessly, the likes of 'Dance With Me Tonight' will have Murs fans boogie-ing with delight, or sighing with pleasure over 'This Song Is About You', a long drawn-out ballad lacking in anything but length. Similarly, the heartbreak number, 'I've Tried Everything' might sound credible coming from an artist whom you believe from his delivery has been in that place; from Murs is just feels awkward, without soul or emotion.

And the aforementioned are about the only standouts amongst the album's thirteen tracks. The rest fall pretty much into more-of-the-same category. 'Tell The World' follows on the whole white-boy-does-reggae vibe; 'Oh My Goodness' brings in some horns and a catchy chorus in an attempt to infuse some character; while 'Just Smile' goes all croony balladeer lush(-less).

In case you didn't know, unless you're some weird X Factor geek who purchases everything forced upon the record-buying public from its manufactured 'stars', this record is pure uninteresting, saccharine-filled bilge. You'd be better off spending the money on a few pints down the pub on karaoke night. More pleasure, less pain.

Alex Litton