Jamelia - 'No More'
An insight into the workings of a ChartBlog reviewer's mind: when I heard that this was to be the next single from the vastly underrated 'Walk With Me', my response was something along the lines of "WTF, Jamelia?" After all, when you've already released the really good sample-based song from your album to widespread public indifference, what's the wisdom behind releasing the lesser sample-based song that kind of grates a little bit?
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Except now I find myself in the position of reviewing the single and recanting my opinion just a little. Out of the context of the album, it sounds stronger (and does sound like it's been tinkered with slightly to be more radio-friendly). The sample of 'Golden Brown' - by the Stranglers - is still a mixed blessing, because what it adds in recognisability it removes in sheer annoyingness after the first minute or so. Less is more would have been a good rule to play by here.
There are a couple of tuning issues here - during the middle eight it sounds slightly like Jam is pelting her cat with marshmallows - but the chorus is a thing of beauty, all swelling and gospel-like, and so stirring and strident that it gave me goosebumps. And that was just in its regular form - when it comes back after the key change, it's even more shiver-inducing. To be honest, I doubt this will help her to shift any more albums ('La La Love' or 'Do Me Right' would've got my vote as better bets), but who can find the sense in a world where Ray Quinn's at the top of the album charts, eh? We might as well all just pack up our internets and give up now.
Released: March 19th
(Steve Perkins)
Comments
I luv this song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Underrated?" UNDERRATED???
I shall refer you to , sit back with smug smile across my face, and await the grovelling apology...
[OK, here goes: I'm really sorry you didn't read that review properly. Steve said Jamelia's album was underrated, not the single, and you can't argue that 'Beware of the Dog' wasn't the enormous smash hit it should have been.
We did a Chart Report about it at the time...
Anyway. No need to pick a fight just to get linkage. EVERYONE GO OVER TO BOP POP NOW, they're REALLY GOOD! How's that? - Fraser]
Dagnammit, I can't believe you saw through that thinly-veiled self-promotion opportunity!
The album was rated though, every review I read of it was practically glowing. It just didn't sell that well, but really, when did that ever matter? Look at where Bryan McFadden is now. Oh...
[It wasn't rated by the public though. Not the way it should have been. And neither is Jamelia, sadly. As I believe your VERY GOOD blog said only today - Fraser]
don't dare diss Ray, he has more talent that Leona could ever dream to have. stil love the website tho. xx
You are right, of course.
And you must stop with these compliments, my head is literally sweltering from all the blushing...
hi how are you i am kerry carrick i am 15 yrs old i go to frome college
wats happenin
i actually think ray quinn is good and was glad whn he got to te top of the charts soo there are actually some people who like him :)
JAMELIA PLEASE COME TO THE 'FAENOL' AGAIN NEXT YEAR, NOT THIS YEAR BUT THE YEAR AFTER COZ IM MISSING THIS FAENOL AND I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU AGAIN.....SO PLEASE COME AGAIN ITS MY ONLY CHANCE!!!!!!!!!