Cheryl is officially back! Currently Number 1 in the UK Top 40 Singles Chart with new single 'Call My Name', Cheryl’s third studio album 'A Million Lights' also looks set to hit the Number 1 spot this weekend.
It’s been a busy few weeks for the Geordie star; she has announced her first solo tour and also confirmed plans for a Girls Aloud reunion as well as promoting new single 'Call My Name' and parent album 'A Million Lights'.
'A Million Lights' is definitely a trip in a different direction from Cheryl’s previous two albums. It also proves to be her strongest album by far.
Featuring collaborations with stars such as Will.i.am, Taio Cruz, Agent X, Lana Del Ray, Calvin Harris, Wretch 32 and Alex Kidd either producing, guest vocals or co-writing the tracks. This album shows a more confident and stronger Cheryl.
The opening track, 'Under the Sun', has a very summery and up-tempo feel to it and really puts you in a good mood for what's to follow. This is one of the tracks that Cheryl has co-written on the album, showcasing yet another of her talents. 'Call My Name' is one of the strongest and more infectious tracks on the album and maybe should have been the opening track for the album. Calvin Harris wrote and produced the track which has become the fastest selling single of 2012 so far.
Mentor and Manager Will.i.am features on a track called 'Craziest Things', which Cheryl has revealed is about a past relationship when she was aged 16. Hardcore fans will have heard Cheryl mention the track in past interviews and books; however, the lyrics of the song reveal her true feelings of the past relationship.
It is easy to see how the track 'Screw You' is drawing attention and comparisons with a certain past relationship, with lyrics such as "So caught up in the love I felt for you", however, Wretch 32 and Cheryl are a perfect match on this track and will no doubt top the charts if released as a single. It certainly shows a more edgy and urban side to the Geordie songstress.
'A Million Lights' has a poetic feel and a rock edge as Cheryl brings the beat down a touch and proves that she can actually sing, despite a mixture of praise and criticism over her recent live performances. 'Mechanics of The Heart' is an amazing ballad and Cheryl’s smooth tones really compliment the song as a whole. Each word is sung with such power and makes the track stand out even more.
'Sexy Den A Mutha' could become a surprising dance hit and would no doubt go down fantastically in clubs over the summer. The track itself is full of attitude and edginess. 'Last One Standing' is one of my favourite tracks on the album and shows a different side to the nation’s Geordie sweetheart. Lyrics such as "No matter what they say, how they make me feel, if they turn me away or down, who cares what they believe" screaming a care-free attitude, it sees Cheryl silencing her critics.
If you have listened to Cheryl’s first two albums as well as 'A Million Lights', it is clear that she has experimented with different genres and not stuck to the mainstream pop sound she is known for in Girls Aloud. Musically, it seems that Cheryl has finally found her sound as a solo artist while still ensuring that her sound is current. Even Cheryl herself has stated, “I fit into my own shoes now and I’m simply not worried anymore. I’ve grown as a person and an artist. You can hear that in my music.”
'A Million Lights' certainly gets a huge thumbs up from me and is a glimpse of what is hopefully a new musical direction for Cheryl.
Tracklisting for 'A Million Lights' Deluxe Edition is as follows:
Under The Sun // Call My Name // Craziest Things // Girl in the Mirror // A Million Lights // Screw You // Love Killer // Ghetto Baby // Sexy Den a Mutha // Mechanics Of The Heart // All Is Fair // Boys Lie // One Thousand // Telescope // Last One Standing<
Wed October 3rd 2012 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Thu October 4th 2012 - The O2, Dublin
Sat October 6th 2012 - Capital FM Arena Nottingham, Nottingham
Sun October 7th 2012 - The O2 Arena, London
Tue October 9th 2012 - Motorpoint Arena Sheffield, Sheffield
Thu October 11th 2012 - Liverpool Echo Arena, Liverpool
Fri October 12th 2012 - LG Arena, Birmingham, Birmingham
Sat October 13th 2012 - Manchester Arena, Manchester
Mon October 15th 2012 - S.E.C.C, Glasgow
Tue October 16th 2012 - Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
Wed October 17th 2012 - Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
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It’s been a busy few weeks for the Geordie star; she has announced her first solo tour and also confirmed plans for a Girls Aloud reunion as well as promoting new single 'Call My Name' and parent album 'A Million Lights'.
