Review - Conor Maynard - Contrast

Conor Maynard is one of those pop stars whose quick rise to success blows the mind. Where other singers wait years for their turn in the spotlight, Maynard seems to have made this all happen in no time at all. His first single, “Can’t Say No” came out only this past March, and it went right to #2 in his native UK. Second single “Vegas Girl” found similar success, reaching #4 and helping his debut album debut in the top spot on the UK charts.

I have always said that Maynard was the British Justin Bieber, and after listening to his album a few times, I can only say that my statement is reaffirmed. Everything about this album reminds me of Bieber’s latest album (which, if you read my review, is to be taken as a compliment). From the urbanity of the pop tunes to the hints of dubstep here and there to the falsetto, Britain has found their own teen boy to worship (and they do).

‘Contrast’ is better than I expected. The twelve tracks on the album are a swaggerific good time. Really. Nothing on the CD sounds too boring, and while it does get a bit repetitive at times, I’ll chock it up to the album just being cohesive. Maynard even channels one of his favorites, Justin Timberlake, on more than a few tracks (another reason why he is the “new” Justin Bieber). And still he keeps it clean; I would suggest this album for parents to give their kids. Maynard is harmless and cute, but he doesn’t seem to be playing it as such. Kids know when people are pandering to them, and Conor doesn’t appear to be doing so. If he is, he’s getting away with it.

For a first outing, Conor does it pretty well. The album has a feeling, and attitude, and a sound. One can never tell how long these youngins will last, but for what it’s worth, ‘Contrast’ is really well done, so he’ll always have that.

‘Contrast’ isn't available until October 16th in the US (though it came out in late July in the UK).

Listen to: “Turn Around (ft. Ne-Yo)”, “Can’t Say No”, “Take Off”, “Better Than You (ft. Rita Ora)”

Buy