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Rating:
THE REVIEW
"Live In Cartoon Motion" is the debut album of the rising star Mika, recently signed by Columbia Records, a choice that seems to have been spot on so far, given the success of the curly-haired artist.
The singer of Lebanese origin shows great talent, both vocal (he manages to reach Freddie Mercury's range, albeit with the help of falsetto) and compositional, but above all, he proves capable of breaking away from the current way of making music that we all know (love, love, sickly sweet love, yawn) by offering a jovial, fresh, and generally well-crafted pop. The word "generally" is essential because when listening to the CD, you notice that good episodes alternate with naiveties quite frequently. Nothing particularly serious, mind you; music that pleases the middle class. "Lollypop", a childish nursery rhyme, "Stuck In The Middle", driven by the piano, and the tedious "Any Other World" are the weakest tracks, which nevertheless do not lower the overall quality of the decent album.
There are many influences in Mika's style: Prince above all, then vocal essays typical of Mercury ("Grace Kelly") and falsettos reminiscent of the Scissors Sisters here and there in general, as in "Love Today", a modern Robbie Williams ("Big Girls") and at the beginnings ("My Interpretation", "Billy Brown"). Then, some dance flashes not really his own ( "Relax, Take It Easy" borrows the melodic line from "(I Just) Died In Your Arms" by Cutting Crew) and finally, the pompous pop/gospel ballad "Happy Ending" filled with falsettos.
The work of this eclectic singer has proven decent, nothing revolutionary, not worthy of 5 stars from Debaser but neither a one-star disgrace.
Let's just hope he confirms himself and doesn't conform to please the eunuchs often seen around.
For now, well done Mika!
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Summary by Bot
Mika's debut album Life In Cartoon Motion delivers fresh and jovial pop music with impressive vocal skills reminiscent of Freddie Mercury. The album cleverly blends various influences, offering a generally enjoyable listen despite some weaker tracks. It is a decent and well-crafted effort that shows promise for the rising star. Overall, the album is praiseworthy yet not groundbreaking, earning a solid three-star rating.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Mika
Lebanese-born British singer-songwriter and performer known for vibrant pop hooks and soaring falsetto, breaking out in 2007 with Life in Cartoon Motion and the hit single Grace Kelly.05 Reviews
Other reviews
By ilpanes
My fault, I became an immediate fan of Mika, the twenty-three-year-old of Lebanese origin who is supposed to resurrect pop!
It’s just the usual music!
By GrantNicholas
"Grace Kelly is a song that became a staple in the music chronicles more for the incredible vocal resemblance to His Holiness Freddie Mercury than for its (undeniable) melodic potential."
Only time will tell if the aspiring king of pop will make it or if the fierce rivals will rise from their ashes.
By Nalia
"Trying to listen to 'Grace Kelly' without dancing is torture, it’s impossible not to even smile."
"Mika’s greatness lies in having recorded and released a pop piece without Rap or R’n’b influences, as often happens today."
