New Music Reviews: Delta Goodrem, Matt Cardle, Stooshe, Little Mix, Olly Murs

Delta Goodrem - Child of the UniverseSo it's been forever since Delta's last album, her self-titled opus back in 2007!  However, Child of the Universe rewards the (im)patient fan with its series of mainly stunning tracks. No one does classy, lite-rock-ish, piano-based pop like this Australian diva.

 The beguilingly vague, yet generally optimistic philosophies expressed in the title track give way to the euphorically uplifting gems "Knocked Out" and "Dancing with a Broken Heart," as well as the delightfully, infectiously cheesy "Sitting on Top of the World."  In the ballad category, there is of course a banquet of melodramatic angst to be had - just as it should be!  The gothic fairy tale vibe of "Hunters and the Wolves" is intriguing, while "Control" impresses with its brooding reclaiming of identity (a theme also nicely played out in "I Lost All Love 4 U").  "Safe to Believe," while perhaps traipsing a bridge too far with that last high note, is good old classic Delta balladry, with just the right amount of '90s' Celine Dion-esque epic-ness.  10 pink flowers out of tenMatt Cardle - The FireThis series of quietly excellent pop songs has continued Matt Cardle's quiet reception in the UK after winning The X Factor a couple of years back.  His occasional collapse into the self-indulgent on tracks like "All For Nothing" or "Faithless" on his first album Letters was far outweighed by stunning, epic insta-classics "Starlight," "Run for Your Life," and the ah-dorable "Amazing."  The Fire is an even better album.  They may not be burning up the radio airwaves, but there's no resisting sweeping anthems such as lead single "It's Only Love," or "The Fire" once one does hear them. "Anyone Else" is just ridiculously catchy in its blatantly inappropriate come-ons, while "For Every Heartbreak" provides some welcome, encouraging self-affirmation.Less record label tampering has led to virtually no real filler in this stellar sophomore effort.9.5 pink flowers out of ten.StoosheSparkling with sass and motown vibes, Stooshe stomped voraciously onto the music scene in earnest last year with harmony-driven hits like "Black Heart" and "See Me Like This."  Their debut album is short but almost flawlessly sweet, and if one can overlook the unnecessary cover of TLC's "Waterfalls" (file under un-coverable), there are a plethora of pop riches to be enjoyed herein.Neatly segueing from the aforementioned love-angst confections to their version of being super really nice ("shut up and don't keep putting yourself down!" in "Your Own Kind of Beautiful") to the naughty ("Love Me") and the merrily retro fun of "Jimmy" or "Kiss Chase," Stooshe glitter all the way along to the ineffably adorable "Ain't No Other Me" in a way that sounds nearly effortless.10 pink flowers out of tenLittle Mix - DNA

Their huge pipes and cute personalities are on display, but the X-Factor winners' first album is a bit of a mixed bag (ouch!)  

There's no arguing with the big singles - from the random, yet deeply emotive Damien Rice cover "Cannonball" (best ballad on offer by far), to the sweetly uplifting "Wings," or the insanely catchy "DNA," with its lilting music-box intro and "d-d-d-d-na" hook.

Yet the sometimes tiresomely obvious, trite ballads ("Turn Your Face," "Pretend it's Okay," or "Always be Together," which is no "Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C, but then, what is?) threaten to drag the whole affair down.

Awesomely, those lulls have no chance against exquisite pop/r&b moments like "Red Planet" featuring T-Boz, the brassy and bold "Stereo Soldier," or the why-is-it-a-bonus-track?! "Love Drunk," a delirious bubblegum romp. 

The strong vocals and aggressively upbeat style of a track like "Make You Believe Again" represent the qualities the girls should continue to highlight, while leaving the predictability of some of the lesser tracks in the dust.

9 pink flowers out of ten.Olly Murs - Right Place, Right Time

On his long-playing third album, Olly Murs remains in safe territory with his typically, yet sometimes deceptively bubbly pop.  The hit single "Troublemaker" featuring Flo-Rida is quite possibly Olly's catchiest song yet, while follow-up "Army of Two" is a solid anthem.  

The enjoyable contrast of the jubilant melody and arrangement, versus the deeply angsty lyrics of "Cry Your Heart Out" are a highlight.  Similarly, the happy-go-lucky tracks like "Head to Toe" often run smack into downright bitterness such as "Personal."  Matters meet perfectly in the middle with the longing, heartfelt ballad "One of These Days."  This prevents the candy-lite tone of Olly's usual motif from becoming trying or predictable in the least.

The bonus tracks are almost universally superb, especially the decision-making precipice of "Sliding Doors," which recalls the classic Gwyneth Paltrow film of the same name.

9.5 pink flowers out of ten.