CD review: Brother - Boyzone

BY VICKI ANDERSON
Last updated 05:00 20/03/2010
Boyzone
Brother by Boyzone is out now.

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Believe me, I know what a devoted lot you Boyzone fans are.

I'm sorry, really I am. I wanted to like this. I tried hard to find some redeeming quality, particularly as this is, as I'm sure you already know, something of a tribute album for their departed "brother" Stephen Gately.

It should at least be touching or heartfelt, but to me it felt strangely devoid of emotion and any form of passion - musical or otherwise - at all.

It is so bland, in fact, that if it were in a bowl of assorted nuts, it would be a blanched almond.

At the risk of being bailed up by Alex Wyllie (again) and having him go, "Grizz, I've got a bone to pick with you, grizz, I liked Ronan Keating a lot, grizz".

This album is nothing as it was pitched to me by Keating.

When interviewed ahead of his gig here a few months ago, he told me it didn't have any ballads that the group were known for and that it "was more Coldplay or U2".

H'm. Yes, perhaps, if Coldplay or U2 were sedated with elephant tranquilisers.

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10 comments
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Sam   #10   11:16 pm Mar 31 2010

'Hyped up pop nonsense' - hmmm clearly not a boyzone fan or even listened to the album so why waste your time making a negative comment? Dont listen to the review; i've listened to the album every day since i bought it and it gets better every time. 'Too late for hellelujah' and 'nothing without you' def have a U2 feel about them. Very different from their old stuff and I love the new mature sound. Cant wait for the tour next year!!

jojack   #9   12:15 am Mar 27 2010

The album BROTHER is brilliant, you must have had wax in your ears.

David   #8   09:02 am Mar 23 2010

I'm trying to work out who would even give this album the time of day, just hyped up pop nonsense. please, your ears are begging you...

Kate   #7   10:10 pm Mar 22 2010

What a bland, mediocre album. I was looking forward to the new album, as they haven't released anything new in a while. But this was disappointing. Completely without that original "soul" sound that they had in the 'where we belong' album, this is just generic pop, without any original sound. This could be any group. I see from previous comments it has gone to no. 1. This often happens on the death of a band member. Unfortunately it is no reflection on the quality of the album. Seriously, save your money.

S   #6   12:33 pm Mar 20 2010

You are entitled to your opinion... But there would definitely be lots and lots of people who disagree. Except for one or two songs, there is no Coldplay or U2 feel to it, you are right about that. But it is a brand new sound for Boyzone. The best Boyzone album till now and a wonderful tribute to Stephen.

jacky   #5   12:19 pm Mar 20 2010

I think this album is totaly amazing dare I say there best ever. Every song is great I can honestly say I can not pick a favourite song as far as having no emotion did you listen to one more song such a beutiful song crap review its totaly amazing well done boyz

Mel   #4   09:42 am Mar 20 2010

Well it's a bit too late for a review now! The album is number 1 and is there for a reason. The boys are back and for good and their new sound should get them even more fans! I did think the album was U2 coldplay-esque and they seem to have found a sound that suits them, well done boys!

Jo   #3   08:43 am Mar 20 2010

I completely disagree with your review and find the album anything but bland, I've just listened to it twice,I think it's brilliant. As for your comment about it not being touching or heartfelt and devoid of emotion, do you not realise that this was already in the making way before Stephen died so why would all the songs be that way? "One More Song" is about him and the lyrics are most definately heartfelt. I also think the fact that the two songs he's singing on start and end the album is very touching. I don't think there's a weak song on the album and I think "Nothing Without You" and "Right Here Waiting" are fantastic songs. Perhaps you've only listened to it once and the majority of songs are growers, I suggest you listen to it a couple more times then you might actually like it.

lklm   #2   07:05 am Mar 20 2010

No emotion?? Think u had the wrong cd in cos its a very touching album and a beautiful tribute to Stephen. Maybe you didn't actually listen to any of the words on the album but you are talking utter rubbish as it is an amazing album as so many have obviously though by the fact it went in the charts at number 1 & in the midweeks its number 2.

karla   #1   06:18 am Mar 20 2010

Congrats! This is the first bad review for this album. Every other review has been great so I will choose to ignore your comments, as should any other would be buyers. Make no mistake this is a lovely album.

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