This album is very good. a1's music has matured a lot over the years, and this album proves it. From soft ballads to raunchy rock tunes, this album provides variety, originality, and an excellent listen. I would definately recommend it.
A1 have come a long way from typical UK euro pop and have broken out of the typical boy band sound such as NSYNC and Backstreet Boys. Growing up in music, I have finally seen ONE boy band finally break out of the typical pop sound, and this is the album that finally did it. The songs still have great melodic overtures but the music has turned to more acoustic instruments. Eventhough it is only their third album, and parts of their maturity were visible on the last album, this one breaks them out and brings their music to the next level. It is filled with great ballads and still has a few tunes with some "pep" to it. If you have enjoyed A1 since their beginnings, then you will enjoy this album. As some of their fans have matured with them, this album will bring on a whole new generation of fans. It will probably be viewed as an adult contemporary mixture of music, but I'm sure that once the remixers get their hands on it, it will certainly balance the flow for everyone to enjoy !
The boys of UK "lad band" A1 have grown into young men, and their music has grown along with them. On their third album, "Make It Good", they have forsaken the heavy synths, drum machines and fast dance beats of boyband pop, and have taken up conventional instrumentation (acoustic and electric guitars, etc.) in favor of a more mature pop sound. The finished product makes their transition seem perfectly natural and effortless.
If you've enjoyed their first two singles, "Caught In The Middle" and the title track, then you won't be disappointed by the rest of the album. Some of my favorites (at the moment) include "Here Comes The Rain", "Make It Through The Night", "Let It Out", and the infectiously bouncy "Do You Remember". The oddest track has to be "Isn't It Cheap" -- it sounds as though the lads were momentarily possessed by an early 80's post-punk group -- but the song is still good.
As before, the guys of A1 (Christian, Ben, Mark, and Paul) have written about 90 percent of the material on the album, but with their new sound, they have taken to playing nearly all of the instruments themselves. Apparently it took a climb up the sugary teen-pop ladder to give the boys the clout to assume more creative control over their music. Well, more power to them! Here's to their conquering the United States in the years to come. Considering the leap forward each of their albums has taken over the last, I'm already anticipating their fourth.
This album sees a1 leaving their poppy routes and head for a mature style of music. Which is certainly no bad thing. The band's extensive song writing and instrumental talents shine on this album with the boys playing all instruments apart from drums themselves. Highlights on this rocky album include 'When I'm Missing You', This Ain't What Love is About' and 'Do you Remember' which has hints of LFO in it. If you don't like pop, this rock-esque album is for you. Buy buy buy!
