CD Review: Martine McCutcheon Soars Beyond Walford's City Limits
By Suzanne Campbell
Television stars around the world regularly pursue interests that lie beyond their fictional neighbourhoods; forays into the musical arena are at the top of the list. Stars from American soap General Hospital alumni Rick Springfield (who can forget "Jessi e's Girl"?) and Ricky Martin ("La Vida Loca") have enjoyed very lucrative careers. Many soap opera stars have gone on to enjoy musical careers and Martine McCutcheon ("Tiffany" to EastEnders fans) is the latest member of the club with her new album You, Me & Us.
While McCutcheon hardly reinvents the pop icon wheel, her surprisingly resonant voice certainly cuts a rug with lyrical melodrama on her new album. Her style incorporates everything from the velvety pop sensibility of Janet Jackson (most notably on "Secre t Garden," whose r&b groove and vocal harmonies could be considered homage to Miss Jackson) to the dance rhythms of Boys Meets Girl ("Rainy Days"). "Perfect Moment" is a perfect pop ballad moment. The first track on the album, which garnered Miss M a hit single, is a light, romantic number which undoubtedly appeals to fans of all ages, sporting radio-friendly lyrics and melody. Her follow-up single, a cover of the soapy standard "Talking in Your Sleep," was released in th U.K. on Nov. 22 and will surely score with her fans and on the charts. According to the Martine McCutcheon Fan Club website, McCutcheon has had to postpone her tour, which was slated to begin in November. She has been suffering from glandular fever and is playing it cautiously. According to the site, "Martine knows how to re ad the warning signs and can feel that she will be very ill again if she carries on with her hectic schedule." She is planning a video shoot for her new single.
McCutcheon's songs recall pop divas such as Bette Midler and Melissa Manchester-universally accessible appeal layered by the vocal prowess of the musical theatre performer. Listen to her belt out "Maybe This Time" if there's any doubt. If you're looking for edgy alternative music-well, this isn't it (perhaps Paul Bradley's band hKippers is more in line?). If you want melodic lyric pop with emotion, style and yes-actual talent - try You, Me & Us.
