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RATING:   
SINGAPORE : Born Victoria Louise Lott, Pixie Lott could well have been called Cutie Pie or Little Minx. Looking slightly ditzy with a resemblance to actress Goldie Hawn on her debut album cover, this British singer-songwriter has got a lot going for her.
Blonde, leggy and only 18, Lott is every record label’s marketing dream come true. Not that she has to rely on her looks to sell albums although looking great in hot pants does not hurt.
Her first two singles “Mama Do” and “Boys and Girls” gave Lott two consecutive UK chart-toppers. Not bad for a new artiste whose career was not launched off a reality television programme.
It’s evident that Lott’s record label is backing her all the way. Behind her debut album “Turn it Up” is an impressive line-up of an army of producers and writers that includes Phil Thornalley who wrote the Natalie Imbruglia pop gem “Torn”, and RedOne.
Joining the ranks of blue-eyed soul singers like Natasha Bedingfield and Duffy, Lott’s sound is more urban and contemporary, which is not surprising given her age. Expect the usual love-lorn numbers, songs about giddy crushes, broken hearts and the occasional party tracks.
On her first No 1 single “Mama Do”, Lott sings about a forbidden love behind your parents’ backs. With its cheeky hum along “Uh Oh, Uh Oh” refrain, throbbing bass line and foot-tapping beats, it’s a delicious pop ditty that sticks.
Second chart-topping single “Boys and Girls” while less infectious, is a typical party number that manages to possess a sass of its own.
The RedOne co-written and produced “Here We Go Again” fares much better as a celebratory track although it is nowhere near the catchy greatness of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance”, also produced by the award-winning songwriter.
With throwaway lyrics like “I need my medicine and the cure ain’t aspirin...”, she invites you back on to the dance floor despite nursing a hangover and it is hard to resist.
The title track with its wave-your-hands-in-the-air vibe, girl group layered vocals and chant-like chorus is another up-tempo grower and tells the story about a break-up that takes a positive spin.
On the other end of the spectrum is the standout Alica Keys-esque ballad “Cry Me Out” which sees Lott telling an ex that “it’s really time to get over yourself”.
It is a pity that her acoustic and heartfelt rendition of American rockers, Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” is not included for it would have added a nice touch of tenderness to an otherwise fluffy pop confection.
- CNA/nc
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