Cheryl: 'A Million Lights' - Album review

Published Jun 18 2012, 16:36 BST  |  By Robert Copsey

Given the history of girlband members-turned-soloists, that Cheryl is on to her third album is in itself a considerable feat. Then again, none have been able to extend their period as the Nation's Sweetheart for as long as she has; especially when details of her private life (including a dismissal from The X Factor) are shamelessly played out in the papers on a daily basis.

Those looking for answers or indeed any indication of the real Cheryl will be disappointed with A Million Lights, which boasts an exceptional lineup of today's best and brightest producers. She even recently admitted having no clue as to what lead single 'Call My Name' was about, but that she enjoyed Calvin Harris's punchy melody and club-tailored beats all the same.

As such, those looking for an album's worth of decent pop will be more than satisfied here. 'Craziest Things' - helmed by her pal and mentor will.i.am - is an effortless slice of robo-electro, 'Sexy Den a Mutha' produced by Britney hitmaker Jim Beanz is typically enjoyable radio-house, while the Wretch 32-assisted 'Screw You' serves as a delicious kiss-off, even if she insists it's not aimed at her philandering ex.

Each uptempo number has been multi-layered and tinkered to within an inch of its life, making the title track and trance ballad 'A Million Lights' and Lana Del Rey-penned 'Ghetto Baby' all the more poignant. There's a niggling detachment between Cheryl and her songs and little to no carving of Cheryl's sound as you'd expect from a third record, but as a collection of neat pop explosions built for the masses, it's difficult to fault.

Tracks to download: 'Under The Sun', 'Screw You', 'Craziest Things', 'A Million Lights'
If you like this, you'll like: Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Cher Lloyd

Click through a playlist of tracks from A Million Lights below: