CD review: The Boy Who Knew Too Much - Mika

SUNNY SIDE UP: Mika's new album largely succeeds on its own terms.

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In 2007, Beirut-born Mika's debut was one of the catchiest and sunniest pop albums of the year. It was hard to escape the single Grace Kelly on the radio.

With that in mind, I didn't have as high expectations for The Boy Who Knew Too Much. But while no single song  is as infectious as Grace Kelly, it largely succeeds on its own terms  and there are hints that Mika isn't a one-album wonder.

It's still in the British piano-based pop tradition  of Elton John and Scissor Sisters, with some Freddie Mercury operatics. Mika also continues his habit  of writing songs that are eerily  reminiscent of others.

Last time Relax sounded like Foreigner's Died in Your Arms Tonight. Here opener We Are Golden sounds as if  it's lifted a hefty chunk from Bon Jovi's Living on a Prayer, while  Touches You is like George Michael's Father Figure - or is it  just me?

But while nothing impressed on first play, if you give  The Boy Who Knew Too Much a go, there's plenty to like, including Rain, Dr John and By the Time. It will convert a few more.

* What do you think of The Boy Who Knew Too Much? Post your comments below.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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