FIRST there was the single, now comes the number one album – clearly Diana Vickers has got something that resonates with the record buying public.
Here's our track-by-track view of Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree.
From the outset, let’s be clear Diana is an artist who polarises opinion, a musical Marmite who in her short career has attracted devotion and loathing in almost equal measure.
Many tracks on Songs From The Tainted Cherry Tree are blatantly commercial, but that’s where Diana’s target audience currently lies.
The debut single Once and tracks such as The Boy Who Murdered Love and Put It Back Together Again have hit written all over them.
There are catchy, harmless fun pop.
Compared with the Diana on X Factor, the album is actually a pleasant surprise.
There’s the odd duff track – the misnamed Hit for instance – but there are moments of genuine quality.
Much of the album sits nicely alongside the likes of Little Boots and Ellie Goulding with its electro-pop backing and big choruses but there are also quieter, more reflective songs.
Here is my track-by-track rundown of the album:
Once
The debut single which went straight to the top of the charts and you can see why. Annoyingly catchy chorus which is perfect for radio play.
Remake Me and You
The driving electrobeat has the potential to be really annoying and it’s all perhaps a bit too twee for its own good.
The Boy Who Murdered Love
The next single and one of the stronger songs on the album. It’s very commercial.
Four Leaf Clover
With an acoustic guitar in the background this reveals a softer, quieter side and hints at what is possibly Diana’s future direction.
Put It Back Together Again
Lancashire accent to the fore this is unbelievably catchy and a standout track.
You’ll Never Get To Heaven
A definite album track that’s got lots of electronic trickery but is one of the weaker efforts.
Me & You
Real piano and guitars and a track much less poppy than many but it fails to really go anywhere.
My Hip
Uptempo number which strays into Girls Aloud territory. A possible future single.
N.U.M.B.
Self-penned and again revealing the quieter, introspective side. Lyrically it’s a little naïve but reveals the potential to come.
Hit
Possibly the worst track. Too much like several others.
Notice
A tale of unrequited love that builds slowly and gradually eats into you brain. Needs several listens.
Jumping Into Rivers
Notable for being co-written with Ellie Goulding. Electronica is turned down a bit.
Chasing You
As near as you’ll get to a love song, quite sweet with some heartfelt lyrics and a subtle chorus.
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