One of the biggest bands of the 1980s, A-ha return with their ninth album – will it compare well with their early releases? Plus, a look at the eagerly anticipated set from hip-hop's Master Shortie.
Foot Of The Mountain by A-Ha: Morten Harket et al have been going for long enough now to know what sells records, and this release should keep their fans happy enough. It is dated in the 1980s with songs led by synths and, of course, Morton's trademark vocals.
However, given the current popularity for artists such as La Roux, Frankmusik and Ladyhawke, this style is perfectly acceptable in today's pop climate. The album opens with Bandstand, a blisteringly typical A-ha single, while title track Foot Of The Mountain is a strong tune. There are some faults, though: Shadowside is positively boring, as is the terribly named Mother Nature Goes To Heaven.
ADHD by Master Shortie: "It's finally here, man. It's been a long time coming," says Master Shortie, aka London-born rapper Theo Kerlin, on Bringing It Back, the opening track of his debut album. It has indeed been a long time coming, 20 years to be precise, as he drops in influences from his childhood – such as Thundercats and Star Wars.
Next up comes Nothing To Be Scared Of – his take on Adam Ant's Prince Charming, which replaces the drama and theatrics of the original for R'n'B-lite accompaniment. The rest of the 1980s-looking tracks skip by, Swagger Chick being among the highlights.
They flit from one theme to another, justifying the title. It's not a strong debut by any means, and the '80s fixation seems incongruous given Shortie's tender age, but there's enough charm here to ensure he's around for a good while longer.
Classique by Will Downing: This is sultry soul, lounge style – an album from which characters in an early 1990s romantic comedy film could draw inspiration.
If you find this idea quite charming, then this album from the veteran American singer is for you. It's suave, slightly cheesy and full, with more "I'm not your yesterday Baby, I'm your tomorrow" lyrics than you can shake a stick at. It's hard to pick out any individual singles as they all fill a set format, although Just Think About It stands out for all the wrong reasons. Will's lyrics aren't particularly on form, but this can be forgiven by the true romantics.
Shine by Martina McBride: American country singer Martina McBride's ninth album is, well, almost exactly like the other eight. Her voice is pure, unadulterated modern Nashville, laden with vibrato and southern twang; her songs every bit as epic and produced as you might expect from a singer nicknamed 'The Celine Dion Of Country'.
If you're unfamiliar with her work, think of country crossover artists such as Shania Twain, before she turned into a chart-topping sexpot, and Faith Hill. There's little to pick between the songs, each is well-written, but you'll be disappointed if you're looking for anything approaching spontaneity.
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