REVIEW - OLLY MURS - NEVER BEEN BETTER

With his new album, Olly Murs ensures his fans (and the industry) that he is the go-to person in the UK for nonsensical, fun, light and easy pop tunes, and one that can be counted on to turn a new album around every year or so, each with a handful of tracks ready for radio and massive public consumption.

More and more, Olly is turning into the sweet, family-friendly version of Rihanna, or at least what Rihanna used to be. He puts music out constantly, but it never seems to be of much consequence. Sure, he scores big charting and selling hits with them--he’s got six number ones and counting--but how many of them can I even remember?

His latest album Never Been Better is more of the same, only it makes the Brit seem like even less of an “artist” and more of a vessel through which pop songs flow. There is no real sense of style, no meaningful tracks, no cohesion, other than that the CD is a collection of bubbly pop songs.

While it may not be a heartfelt, deep album, it is plenty of fun, and it is in keeping with what people know and love Olly for. I didn’t hear quite so many standout tracks as his last efforts, but there is plenty to enjoy. The whole thing is in the retro-soul/pop sound that everyone seems to enjoy these days. Plenty of “instruments”, and horns everywhere, backing up lyrics that might not be so wonderful, but the whole thing sounds big, so we’re having a good time.

He’s already pushing a new single with Demi Lovato that’s a good showing, and there will likely be one or two more before this album cycle is done and he announces a new one.

Interestingly enough, Olly does fill a void here, as there really aren’t many bubblegum pop male singers left. Everyone seems to have gone in other directions or picked up instruments, so while it may be fluffy as hell, we need an Olly Murs.

Listen to: “Did You Miss Me”, “Wrapped Up (ft. Travie McCoy)”, “Can’t Say No”