Pop, pop, who's there ??. Review on 100% Pop - Various Artists

Dear friends,

Did not find a suitable category to fit this review into .... Nevertheless, just wish to briefly mention about the present and upcoming fate of one of my favourite genre of music - POP !!

Every few years, one notices a certain direction in popular international music. A few years ago, girl bands and boy band were the ''in'' things. But though we still hear bands like ''Blue'', that's not the hottest trend today. Over the past two or three years, hip-hop became huge too - as artistes like Eminem, Nelly, Jay-Z, 50 Cent and Missy Elliot made waves in the U.S.

But has there been any special trend this year ? Yes there has .... Quite simply, a number of young male artistes are hot on the pop circuit. Some of them - like Justin Timberlake of N'Sync and Nick Carter of Backstreet Boys - were already famous because they've been with boy bands. The others have begun creating headlines only recently. And going by the response to their albums, they could even be next on line to the likes of Robbie Williams, Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias.

Here, I list five male pop artistes who are hitting the popularity charts these days. Their albums have been released in India, just in case you're thinking of buying them. It'll be interesting to see whether any of these will become the next pop superstar !

1. WILL YOUNG

This guy has everything needed for a pop icon. He's good-looking, has a great voice and sings expressively. By coming first in the Pop Idol contest in the UK, he attracted many teenyboppers. His new album ''From Now On'' (released in India by Crescendo Music), contains superb tunes like ''Evergreen,'' ''You And I,'' and the title track. But what's really interesting is that he's even done versions of the Beatles beauty ''The Long And Winding Road'' and the Doors anthem ''Light My Fire.'' And, mind you, they aren't haphazard remixes, but good adaptations !!

2. JOHN MAYER

Though the American has been on the scene for four years, Mayer hit the headlines earlier this year when he won a Grammy for Best Male Pop (Vocal Performance) for his song ''Your Body Is A Wonderland.'' The song, which is part of his 2002 album ''Room For Squares'' (released in India by Sony Music), has become a rage. Other tunes like ''Love Song For No One'' and '' No Such Thing'' are popular too. Mayer released his first album ''Inside Wants Out'' in 1999. His sound is a blend of pop, rock, jazz, soul and blues. Talk of being eclectic !!

3. DARIUS DANESH

The 22-year-old Scot singer first made news with the radio hit ''Colourblind.'' Naturally, he used it on his album ''Dive In'' (released in India by Universal Music), which also contains neat tracks like ''Mercury Rising,'' ''I'm Not Buying'' and ''Rushes.'' Darius' musical philosophy has been to write his own songs. His career is now on a high, but at one stage, he couldn't easily convince producers to let him do an original album. All that is history now !!

4. GARETH GATES

There have been numerous versions of the North-Zaret classic ''Unchained Melody.'' Bradford-born Gareth chose to do another one, and even reached No.1 on the UK charts. He also rendered the Elvis Presley-popularised ''Suspicious Minds'' in his debut album ''What My Heart Wants to Say'' (released in India by Crescendo Music). Of course, not everything about his album is nostalgia, as you hear some crisp new numbers. And yes, besides his songs, his hair-style is also impressing teenyboppers !!

P. S. Please read my review on Gareth Gates' ''What My Heart Wants To Say'', which has already been posted on Mouthshut on the 22nd of May, 2003.

5. DANIEL BEDINGFIELD

With ''Gotta Get Thru' This'' (released in India by Universal Music), the New-Zealand born, London-bred singer-songwriter, created a typical bedroom album. All the songs were written in his bedroom, using a computer and a microphone. While that dilutes the sound a bit, there's no denying that Daniel has a good sense of composition. Not surprising, as he started writing songs at the age of six, began rapping along with a boom box three years later, and played serious synthesiser from 16. You have to check out his hit single ''If You're Not The One.'' Amazingly soothing .... and romantic !!