Search - Daniel Bedingfield :: Second First Impression

First-rate Second Impression

Dr Gan T. Pau | Malaysia | 12/22/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sophomore albums are never easy to do, what with all the expectations and time constraints. Add a near-death automobile accident into the equation and you will begin to understand why this album sounds as confusing and chaotic as a headless chicken running around the butcher's shop. And I mean that in a positive way.



Frankly I'm tired of pop albums that sound like they all came from a single music factory - predictable and boring. As such, this album is refreshing in that it completely blows away all pop music conventions and experiments with a multitude of different styles and rhythms. Add to the mix Bedingfield's uniquely raspy voice and it all somehow clicks - again.



While a lot of the songs do sound quite unfamiliar and nowhere near as catchy as the tracks on "Gotta Get Thru This", this albums bears repeated listening and will eventually grow on you if you are willing to give it a chance.



Memorable tracks like "The Way" - a U2-esque track guaranteed to burn up the charts if released as a single; " Complicated" and "Growing Up" give this album an essential rock-ish flavour that saves it from some of the mush that masquerades as love songs - "Nothing Hurts Like Love" and "Wrap My Words Around You" to name a few. Still, I foresee these latter tracks to be potential singles as well, if only to entice the ladies and teenage female fans to come back for more.



All in all, this is a respectable and slick studio effort that still manages to retain the edge that made his debut CD such an enjoyable and memorable record."

Well alive and getting better and better

Phil Granger | London United Kingdom | 12/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One reason for sure why Daniel "is not dead" is so that we can enjoy more of his music and lyrics. And his amazing voice! After a slow start ''Second First Impressions" has grown on me and I simply can't put it down because it feels like Daniel is inviting you into his life, his experiences, his beliefs - as if he spoke and sang of them into your own life. That's the power of the person and his music.



And as with the first album Daniel demonstrates that he is a master at producing different songs for different moods. Drawing on a wide range of sounds and music, everything is yet very original - clearly, he is extremely versatile and broad. The acoustic numbers are very personal and deep, and crown the album like the end of a good book or a good film to complete a story in its entirety. Yes, with arrangements that are second to none, his tunes and lyrics make this album "completely complete"!



This album flows out of a more mature and growing performer. One wonders then what else Daniel is going to come up with next time around? It is undeniable that this energetic and creative genius is here to stay.



So turn the light down, sit down and listen carefully. You're not sure? Put the volume up and gradually discover how awesome this is.



For me, Second First Impressions is unquestionably the "album of the year"."

Nicely done Daniel

Michael McCLain | West Chester, Pennsylvania United States | 11/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For his sophmore cd - Daniel serves up some interesting tracks for us all ot enjoy - even though the cost may be high for the cd - it's worth the price of admission - having this cd as an import for the last couple months now, I've worn out my copy (thank Heaven's for the backup cd).



Nothing hurts like love - great lead in track

Growing UP - funky little track with cute lyrics

Complicated - GREAT tune - great rhythms to groove to

All Your Attention - another power house vocal song - sweet

Show me the Real you - go ahead Daniel - show us how it's done

Don't Give'r it all - pure fun to listen too

All the Little Children - a favorite track - just love the lyrics





Pay close attention to A kiss without commitment - at the end, just let the song play - bonus track of I'M STILL ALIVE is hidden there (on some cds) - great little rock song that just does that ROCKS!



Danie, again...I'm impressed with the different styles infused on this cd - Pop, Rock, Funk, BeatBox...just pure fun"