CD - Jordin Sparks - Jordin Sparks

Reviews, By Weasel, 14th May, 2008

‘Everybody’s favourite!’ insists the sticker on the front. A big claim, to be sure, but in this case it might just have some truth to it.

As the 18-year-old youngest ever winner of American Idol, a plus sized (in the sense of size fourteen and gorgeous) wholesome African-American gal with a huge voice and winning smile, Jordin Sparks is not short of selling points. Sure, she’s another bible lover, but for the most part she’s got that under wraps on her breezy, thoroughly likeable debut.

Certainly Jordin is beloved by the Scandinavian song-writers who (along with most of her fan base) were bitterly disappointed by Kelly Clarkson’s decision to write her own songs on My December. Almost every track is written by an Ahlund, Bjorklund or Karlsson (or even a certain R. Carlsson a.k.a. Robyn).

At times (such as on Now You Tell Me or the slightly overblown Permanent Monday ), the songs do verge on identi-Kelly, but when Sparks indulges her euro-pop potential, she’s spot on.

If you’ve heard her first single Tattoo, or the follow up No Air (a duet with Chris Brown) then you know what to expect. This album is chock full of great pop songs with a slight R’n’B edge that both gives them some marketability in the US pop landscape and gives Sparks a sound of her own.

The highlights are many. Opener (and probable third single) One Step At A Time sets the scene – it’s perky, unpretentious and will be a club smash with the right remixes. Young And In Love is uncomplicated, joyous fun – as sweet as the first few bites of candy floss, without the sick feeling that usually follows.

Even when the tempo slows down, the standard is still a cut above. The winners single This Is My Now is the usual sort of schlock you’d expect and God Loves Ugly is a paler shade of Christina Aguilera, but the adorable Next To You and ethereal See Me Side balance things out squarely.

In Idol-winner terms, it doesn’t get much better than this. Sparks’ people have wisely avoided trying to make her more than she is and the astute song choices let Sparks’ voice show its rainbow colours.

Jordin Sparks – Jordin Sparks is in stores now through Sony BMG.

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