A1 -- Caught In The Middle: After topping the charts with their pointless version of A-Ha's perfectly good 'Take On Me', A1 return with this excellent acoustic strummer.
It seems recruiting top producer Mike Hedges, who has worked with U2 and the Manic Street Preachers, has done the trick. Hedges also produces for Travis and that tie-up is very much in evidence in 'Caught In The Middle', a guitar led tune with superb harmonies and an irrepressible chorus.
So far, A1 have failed to really make their faces known but after this offering, that looks set to change.
BRITNEY SPEARS -- Overprotected
Judging from the size and number of the bodyguards Miss Spears seems to surround herself with, this song -- moaning about being overprotected -- appears to be a contradiction in terms.
But that aside, the girl has come up trumps again with a song that pumps a fine, shiny pop beat that will have greater appeal to the teenyboppers than her last song, 'Slave 4 U'.
That she didn't continue along the same lines at that inventive latter tune, is a disappointment. But 'Overprotected' is twice as chart-friendly -- albeit nowhere near as original -- and will surely be another smash hit.
ALIEN ANT FARM -- Movies
It's another hi-tempo guitar-thumping song from the US songsters.
Unlike some other practitioners of this teen-appeal genre, however, the Farmers are able to carry off some semblance of a tune.
Having said that, this is largely predictable fare. Catch the video on MTV, though -- it's mildly amusing in a mickey-taking kind-of-way.
JA RULE -- Always On Time
Ja Rule has struck gold again after his impressive double act with Jennifer Lopez. Featuring the sultry tones of Ashanti, the slick Always On Time is another sure-fire hit from the 21-year-old rapper.
SPILLER -- Cry Baby
Minus the lavish touch of Sophie Ellis Bextor, Spiller have bounced back with a sparkling house track that will brighten those gloomy winter nights. This funky tune is in the mould of Daft Punk and is destined to be a club favourite.
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