Noisettes, 'Wild Young Hearts' (Mercury)
Brit bird boldly takes on blondes and beehives.
By Barry Walters 08.31.09 4:17 PM
Trading punk squawk for kaleidoscopic pop, this London trio’s second album gives bassist-singer Shingai Shoniwa a deserved platform, and she flaunts an aural star power as striking as her glamazon thighs and sky-high hair. Shoniwa is both impulsive and precise: Every string-swept disco flourish or arena-rock guitar break heightens an unflappable poise that bypasses rote R&B melisma for soul-shaking celebration. Bodacious U.K. hits like “Don’t Upset the Rhythm” illustrate how to quirk up the mainstream from within: Turn your pop art into a party, and cross every color line.
WATCH: Noisettes Unplugged at SPIN's NYC Office
I agree; this is an amazing album and I wish it was further up on your list. I hope they get a couple of Grammy nominations and possibly a win. They deserve it.
True! This is a great uplifting and energetic album. They are also amazing live, saw them in Brussels yesterday and it was probably the best concert I saw so far. I'll Never Forget You will without a doubt be my favourite track of 2009. :)
This is really good. Thanks, Noisettes!
WOW, Shingai Shoniwa is the best thing I've seen or heard this year. What a fabulous talent. I think she will go far ...far... far.... My favorite new artist, what an abundance of charisma, talent, rhythm, and style in one beautiful body!! congratulations Shingai! you're super!
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