Wishing

Sweet and terribly heartfelt, Martine McCutcheon sings about nice things (finding love) and not so nice things (being dumped).

While tracks such as ‘Tonight’ and ‘Everybody’ showcase the starlet’s new-found disco-led direction, digital vocals and sparkly flourishes do little to disguise the tried and tested 80’s pop formula.

McCutcheon’s real strength lies in the conviction of her vocals. Every lyric – no matter how cutesy – is emoted with the utmost sincerity. ‘Teardrops’ and ‘Together We Are Beautiful’ take on new, less jaded dimensions thanks to the precious manner with which she handles them.

This can lead to some unintentionally hilarious moments, though, on her very few forays into lyrical raunchiness. On ‘Love Changes Nothing’ she sings winsomely but desperately earnestly, “You were the only one/In this age of wisdom/Who could understand/How to turn me on.” Bob Dylan must be wishing he thought of that one.

McCutcheon has a talented pop voice, but the schmaltz factor on Wishing is higher than helium.

For those who want to believe in the clichés.