Search - Gabriella Cilmi :: Ten (Incl. Bonus Track)

Definitely not a Ten...

Nse Ette | Lagos, Nigeria | 04/06/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Australian songstress Gabriella Cilmi released her debut CD "Lessons to be learned" in 2008, a mix of Duffy-style vintage Soul/Pop and Blondie-style New wave. The lovely "Sweet about me" was a huge UK hit from the album. Since then, she's developed a liking for electronic music, Donna Summer's "Four seasons of love" in particular, she has stated in interviews.



The result is "Ten", filled with high octane Synth/Dance numbers like "On a mission", "Hearts don't lie", and "Love me cos you want to" (sounding like a Britney clone).



Slowing things down and providing some sonic variety are the Synth ballads "Defender", "Robots", "Boys", "Glue", and "Superman", though truth be told, they don't do much to raise the album above average.



The problem is everything is same-sounding with no killer track standing out. Standing above the others a bit are "Invisible girl", "Let me know", and a Synth-filled remix of "Sweet about me (Twenty ten version)" (sounding like something by Depeche Mode). It's rather telling that one of the best tracks here featured on her debut originally, and in a much better version.



It's such a shame really, as her debut showed much promise. "I've never been a diva, but I won't settle for second best" she sings on "Invisible girl". Pity she didn't apply the same to the music here which is second rate at best!"

"Love me cos you want to..."

Lord Sanguine | New England | 05/16/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If Lessons To Be Learned was a coffeehouse album, then Ten is a club album with its synths and electronic accompaniment to the other instruments. Think debut oddball "Save The Lies," only with more excess and less innocence, and you'll get the idea. There isn't a song likely to match Gabriella's biggest success, "Sweet About Me," nor does anything come close to topping her best, "Awkward Game," but Ten offers plenty of standouts and no obvious filler. "On A Mission," "Love Me Cos," "Robots," "Boys," "Glue," "Let Me Know" and "Superman" are all excellent with "Love Me Cos" in particular having the most potential of being a big hit. The soulful charm of "Let Me Know" and the seductive simplicity of "Superman" recall what worked so well on the debut and close out the album on a tremendous high note. As for the remainder, "Hearts Don't Lie" and "Superhot" are mindless fun, and "What If You Knew" is cute but just okay. "Defender" doesn't stand among the best ballads she's done, while "Invisible Girl" steps into Britney territory and suffers for doing so. A bonus remix of "Sweet About Me" is included that's best left ignored, as it's as pointless as every other remix that has ever been. Ten may not be what its name implies, but it delivers more often than not and in the end is a very good album. On a personal note, I sincerely wish only the best for Ms. Cilmi and that she have a long and successful career. It is truly a pleasure to listen to such a wonderful voice, and whatever path she takes next, I will be more than happy to follow. And Gabriella, I do want to. You're amazing."