VV Brown - 'Game Over'
It does seem like a slightly unfortunate title for the fourth track of VV's album campaign - after three singles and an album that, while picking up a bit of a cult following, didn't exactly have massive chart success, it does make you wonder if it's actually game over for her if this one isn't a hit.
By rights it should be - a hit, I mean, not game over. The problem is, I said the same thing about 'Crying Blood' and 'Leave!' as well, and the music-buying public in general didn't seem to agree. They were far too busy buying Noisettes records instead.
(. Somebody please pay this woman some attention, before she explodes.)
Once again, there is a lot to love here - the bombastic opening that wastes absolutely no time in blowing your ears right off, the super-catchy "oh-oh-oh no!" refrain underneath the chorus, the line "my heart may be drunk, but my mind is sober" - so it's clear that if the game is over, she has no intention of going quietly.
What I like most about this song is the sense of ongoing invention - with its overstated preposterousness and its retro-funkiness, it's recognisably the work of VV Brown without sounding like any of her other singles.
But even if you're not familiar with her other tracks, it still sounds like a great pop song, because it's got all the key themes you'd need - noise, catchiness, and a collection of damning lyrics about an ex-boyfriend. Those are perfect pop building blocks, right there.
Is this going to be the one to turn things around for Ms Brown? I have my doubts, but I'd like to think it could. It certainly deserves to.
Download: Out now
CD Released: September 21st
´óÏó´«Ã½ Music page
(Steve Perkins)
Comment number 1.
At 20th Sep 2009, RandomEnigma wrote:Totally agree Fraser! This girl is good and so are all her singles! Sad thing is if she broke out in 2007, this would be chart success as we were all gaga for soul divas back then!
Now in 2009's electropop climate, I doubt this will do well! But I'm guessing she'll come back fighting with Album No. 2!
Speaking of, VV Brown, is part of the Young Soul Rebels who release fanatastic charity single I Got Soul on 19th October! I predict it will be a Number 1 hit!
Dammit Spirit, you've created a monster!
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Comment number 2.
At 20th Sep 2009, Sasha wrote:I like her, but Shark In The Water and Crying Blood are far superior to this song.
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Comment number 3.
At 21st Sep 2009, spirit wrote:Sorry Steve .
I have given this song 3 listens for you .
It sounds very in the shadow of Pixie Lott and Noisettes recent releases .
It doesn't have a big enough main chorus hook to be a top 10 or 20 hit .
It's a pleasant song , well executed but without that the huge chorus hook that would make it a big hit !
If people like VV Brown , you may also like SANTOGOLD'S debut album , which to me sounds fantastic.
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Comment number 4.
At 28th Sep 2009, MozFoz wrote:V V Brown is just incredible. I don't understand some people out there, buying mundane artists' work. I have to disagree with Spirit, Pixie is just simply not in her league. But I agree about Santigold; phenomenal.
But there's one thing I'll never forgive V V for
Young Soul Rebels. Don't EVEN get me started...
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Comment number 5.
At 28th Sep 2009, spirit wrote:Hi Moz , I probably wasn't very clear .
Having studied hit singles for many years , I can hear that "Game over " would not be a hit in the same away that Pixie has had 2 number 1's and the Noisettes have had 2 top 20 singles and a hit album .
This has been proved as Game over is not a top 40 hit , probably due to it's lack of a huge chorus hook , and as Random states it is after Pixie and Noisettes success , so thus in the shadow .
Let's hear what you think of YOUNG SOUL REBELS !!!
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