One singer who is thoroughly undeserving of the one-hit wonder tag isSam Sparro. His debut smash 'Black & Gold' may be his only real commercial success, but the song's brilliance (which earned him a Grammy nomination) sadly overshadowed a promising first album and its subsequent singles. He's waited four years to return with a follow-up, trying his hand at a completely new sound on Return To Paradise.

"Paradise garage" is the key phrase here, a genre derived from the hedonistic discotheque scene in New York during the late '70s. Sparro's interpretation is by and large a faithful one, employing vintage house melodies over modern-day synths (courtesy of long-time collaborator Jesse Rogg) on opener'Paradise People' and buzz track 'Happiness'.

Current single 'I Wish I Never Met You' is the real star of the show; a brutally honest sad-pop belter about getting over a serious relationship. Sparro admits it was the quickest song to make on the record, and its effortless quality instantly shines through. The theme of loss and the quest for inner joy continues on falsetto ballad 'Shades of Grey' and hazy house number 'Hearts Like Us', the latter steadily building into a euphoric glitterball dance-off.

The moments where he seems to find happiness are far and few between, making them all the more welcome when they arrive. There are flashes of late '80s George Michael on 'Yellow Orange Rays' and even a touch of Prince on funk-filled 'Let The Love In'. The quality slips towards the finish, but it's not enough to spoil a strikingly accomplished sophomore album that proves there's life after a runaway hit.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/albumreviews/a387066/sam-sparro-return-to-paradise-album-review.html

[Edited 6/25/12 11:55am]

Nice review. I may have to check Amazon to see if it's there... since it's hard to buy.

Timmy84 said:

Nice review. I may have to check Amazon to see if it's there... since it's hard to buy.

Seems that Amazon has finally listed the Import for release tomorrow. Funnily enough, the record's been out for like 2 weeks now. I don't think it's getting a US release!?! Sam needs mo' support.

Spinlight said:

Timmy84 said:

Nice review. I may have to check Amazon to see if it's there... since it's hard to buy.

Seems that Amazon has finally listed the Import for release tomorrow. Funnily enough, the record's been out for like 2 weeks now. I don't think it's getting a US release!?! Sam needs mo' support.

Yeah I can see the album probably not getting a US release. It's unfortunate a guy with all that talent is not really promoted like he should all over the board. I love "Happiness" too.

Why are you posting a link to illegally download Sam's album?

yanowha said:

Why are you posting a link to illegally download Sam's album?

I dunno what you mean!

Spinlight said:

yanowha said:

Why are you posting a link to illegally download Sam's album?

I dunno what you mean!

Why would you think I was talking to you?!

silkman said:

This album is hot to freaking death. And it's a shame it won't get an american release. The title track, is golden.

Wasn't some of the songs on YouTube? I guess like Spin said, it was taken down.

yanowha said:

Spinlight said:

I dunno what you mean!

Why would you think I was talking to you?!

Cuz I'm the OP!!!!!