What Soraya Did Next!

Spain’s undisputed Queen of pop has been busy since coming a respectable second last in Eurovision last year. She re-released her amazing flop album, scored a top 30 hit in Sweden (on the virtually obsolete physical singles chart) and completed her sold out tour (of free shows at radio stations). Unlike desperate Edurne, who is now appearing on the Spanish version of Dancing With the Stars – Soraya continues to go from strength to strength while retaining her class and dignity! A case in point is Soraya’s latest endeavour as the nude cover girl of Must! Magazine’s "Sex Issue". As you can see from the clip above, the stunning diva is in fine form. Her beauty is almost as flawless as her voice and totally non-Botoxed forehead. More importantly, I'm told the song playing in the background is Soraya’s next single – a sure to be #77 smash hit collaboration with French DJ Antoine Clamaran. It goes without saying "Live Your Dreams" is already the best track of 2010 and I haven't even heard it! For more info check out this glamorous post.

Close Your Eyes, It's Kate Ryan!

First of all, let me apologise for burning your retinas with the... incredibly glamorous cover of Kate Ryan's latest album. The androgynous stripper stuck in an 80s time warp look isn't easy to pull off but the pride of Belgium almost manages to retain some of her dignity. Anyway, you're probably wondering why I decided to write about this trash in the first place. I'm not exactly Kate's biggest fan and her collection of French cover versions was released months ago. Well, there's a simple reason. I spent the weekend driving my French friends around Sydney and needed something appropriate to play in the car. After spending an eternity ripping Mylène Farmer and Lorie CDs, I remembered "French Connection" and thought I'd let the Belgian diva do all the work for me. Kate's relentless destruction of 80s pop classics went down a treat (every song was preceded with "c'est horrible... turn up the volume!") and I developed a whole new appreciation for one of the year's guiltiest pleasures.

"French Connection" collects the greatest French hits of the 80s and gives them a Hi-NRG overhaul for the new millennium. I'm sure fans of the original versions will be tempted to molest Kate with a stale baguette after listening to this but the majority of tracks were new to me and I loved being exposed to so many wonderful gems. A case in point is the album's biggest selling point, "Ella elle l'a". France Gall's original is actually a rather classy tribute to Ella Fitzgerald - not that you'd know it listening to Kate's trashtastic update. I love everything about this, from the cheesy Eurodance beats to the ridiculous bad CGI extravaganza doubling as a video clip. Unfortunately, the next song (another France Gall cover) isn't quite as successful. "Babacar" was released as a single in French speaking countries to promote the album but it's fucking awful and flopped just about everywhere. Kate's destruction of Mylène Farmer's iconic "Désenchantée" is also pretty fucking awful but it was a massive hit for her in 2002 and the 2009 remix deftly slides into so bad it's amazing territory. The Mylène covers keep on coming with "Libertine" (AKA the song about proudly being slut) but I actually rather like Kate's version and think it makes a nice addition to the "French Connection".

If I had to choose my favourite song on the album it would be "Évidemment" - hands down. Raping a France Gall classic for the third time in the space of five songs speaks volumes about Kate's complete lack of originality but the song is so perfect it weathers the Belgian's lacklustre vocals without so much as a dint in its beautiful armour. Make sure you also check out the fabulous 2N Remix, which transforms the ballad into a sublime slice of dance-pop. "Évidemment" (below) is the album's latest single and deserves to be a #87 smash hit in Poland. At the very least. Don't faint but the next song is actually a Kate Ryan original. "Mon cœur résiste encore" is the French language version of the diva's 2001 debut single "Scream For More". The original was cheap dance trash and it doesn't sound much better en français. Kate has considerably more success with "La Promesse", the French interpretation of her 2004 hit "The Promise You Made" (itself a cover version). I hate to say it but the 29 year old (in Lady GaGa years) should stick with ripping off other divas. For further proof check out the album's only other original - "Dans Tes Yeux", which first appeared on her 2008 album as "Your Eyes". Unfortunately, time hasn't made it any less shit.

One of the best things about "French Connection" is the exposure it gives to unknown/forgotten acts (outside France). If it wasn't for this trashy bunch of covers, I wouldn't know Jeanne Mas ever existed - let alone spent hours trawling Ebay to find more of her music. "Toute Première Fois" is an adorable 80s gem and Kate's version does the original justice. I love this and would have chosen it as a single over "Babacar" (if it hadn't already appeared on "Free"). The canny Belgian sniffs out another winner by covering Lio's lovely "Sage Comme Une Image" and ups the trash ante by revising Philippe Cataldo's camp "Les Divas Du Dancing". Someone really needs to initiate me into the magical world of French pop (circa 1985) because I think I'm hooked!

Kate briefly returns to the present by including "Caminaré", her stunning duet with Soraya. Spain's greatest living musical talent valiantly tries not to outshine her Belgian counterpart too severely but it's an impossible task for the Spanish legend. Soraya brings some much needed class, style and non-Botoxed beauty to the album, so Kate should be grateful. It was always going to be difficult to top that clash of the titans but "French Connection" fittingly ends with the diva's catchy cover of "Voyage Voyage" - a #1 hit for Desireless (the original La Roux!) in 1987. As usual, the Belgian's version falls short of the original but she deserves some credit for breathing new life into so many great songs. I used to joke that Kate was the continental Lisa Scott-Lee but after this opus I see her in a whole new light - as the Benelux September. There's nothing particularly creative or original about "French Connection" but it is hugely endearing and, all jokes aside, easily one of 2009's most enjoyable albums.

Soraya - The Deluxe Edition!

There was an amazing surprise waiting for me in the letterbox this afternoon. Hiding beneath all the bills and junk mail was a package from my lovely Spanish gays, Pablo and Fernando. They were kind enough to send me a copy of "Sin Miedo - The Deluxe Edition" in addition to a film that culminates in a woman biting off a man's cock. As much as I enjoyed my introduction to the wonderful world of Spanish cinema, I'm even more ecstatic about the Soraya album. I'm just so proud that she's decided to follow in the fabulous footsteps of Dannii by re-releasing an album that no one bought in the first place!

Despite being a rather desperate ploy to cash in on Soraya's stunning Eurovision "success", the deluxe edition of "Sin Miedo" is actually rather classy. Sure, there are only two bonus tracks - the previously released "Hasta El Final" and a remix of "La Noche Es Para Mi" that could well have been whipped up on Soraya's home computer - but the real treat is the bonus DVD and photo gallery. Who needs gay porn when you can watch all 8 of Soraya's trashtastic video clips in a row? It's fascinating to see how the Spanish diva's sound and image has evolved. The early clips are hilarious, particularly the kung fu dance moves in "Mi Mundo Sin Ti" and the karaoke themed "Call Me".

It's hard to pick a favourite video from all these classy gems but, if pushed, I would have to go with "La Dolce Vita" (below). Not only is it a fantastic cover of a classic song, the clip is the trashiest thing I've seen since Suzy Ray revolutionised the visual medium as we know it with "Disco In My Car". Everything about "La Dolce Vita" is perfect. The costumes are glamorous, the choreography is fun and Soraya looks breathtakingly gorgeous. I really think my future wife should choose the best songs from her two English albums and try her luck outside Spain. Who could resist such a fabulous goddess? Anyway, the re-release seems to be working for her at home. "Sin Miedo" sits at #33 in the Spanish charts this week. Now that's what I call Dannii-esque $ucce$$!

An Open Letter To Soraya

Dear Soraya,

You don't know me but I'm your biggest (and possibly only) Australian fan. Your latest album is a veritable pop masterpiece and I still listen to your fabulous 80s covers all the time. I'm completely smitten by your grace, glamour and talent. To paraphrase Shakira, for you I'd move to a communist country (well, maybe Spain) and learn about football (although something like scrapbooking would be more up my alley).

My love for you runs deep. Last year I followed your stunning acoustic tour of radio stations around Spain, staying in glamorous metropoles like Lerida and Albacete along the way. Unfortunately, every show was sold out - which could have had something to do with the tickets being given away free. Not that it matters. I was satisfied to simply be in the same city as Spain's greatest living vocalist.

Needless to say, your selection for Eurovision brought me a lot of joy. Finally you had a chance to shine on the world stage and possibly launch an international career. If vile trolls like Agnes Carlsson and Annie can have "hits" outside their homeland, why not a stunning beauty like yourself? "La Noche Es Para Mi" is probably the weakest track on your amazing album but it's still light years ahead of the usual Eurovision fare and should have won in a landslide.

I watched what I assumed would be your triumphant performance with great pride. My delicate Spanish rose had blossomed into an international pop sensation right before my very eyes. You took to the stage with the grace of an angel, wearing a gorgeous outfit that highlighted your stunning curves. And then your magical voice wafted around the stadium like a fart squeezed from the arsehole of Jesus. It was blissful. Admittedly, your dancers appeared to be recent graduates from the Community College of Móstoles but, as a true saint, you're always looking to help the needy. Your moment of Eurovision glory seemed a mere formality. I even had a bottle of champagne (well, $5 sparkling wine) on ice to celebrate your victory! But then the votes rolled in and you came second last.

Soraya, my darling, please don't feel like a complete and utter failure even if you are one. Eurovision is an unflushed toilet, so it only makes sense that the biggest pile of crap (ie. Norway's entry) should float to the top of the bowl. In retrospect, you were too sexy for Eurovision. Men from Iceland to Azerbaijan were busy doing something else with their right hand during your performance, which explains their inability to pick up the phone and vote. Take heart in the fact that many an international superstar has tasted defeat on the Eurovision stage. Olivia Newton-John only claimed the 4th spot, Anna Vissi came 9th and Nicki French finished in 16th place. Almost as bad as you. And look at all the amazing success she's had since!

Now that the competition is little more than a bad memory, hurry up and release "Para Ti" or "No Siento"!

Love & Kisses,

Mike

XXXX

Soraya - Robbed At Eurovision!

Bits & Pieces - Feb 09

I've spent so much time walking down memory lane over the past couple of posts that I'm starting to get blisters. It's about time I focused on music recorded after 1997, so I've decided to do a bit of a round up of things pushing my buttons at the moment. One of the most exciting developments of 2009 has been the release of Fangoria's latest single "Más Es Más" ("More Is More"). The theatrical duo are the Spanish equivalent of the Pet Shop Boys. In fact, the similarities are striking. Both acts specialise in electronic beats, boast a vocalist who speaks more than sings and have a fanbase comprised predominantly of middle-aged homosexuals. Basically, Fangoria are seriously fabulous and their latest track is a high camp celebration of the finer things in life. Watch the unfortunately rather dull video here.

I can't mention Spanish pop without talking about the Queen of Extremadura, my beloved Soraya. Her campaign for Eurovision glory is in full swing, sailing through to the final round of qualifying with a truly electrifying performance of "La Noche Es Para Mi" in the semis. Soraya looked stunning and sounded amazing. I also love the dance moves and her glamorous outfit is pure sex. The bitch had better win or heads will roll! Check out her magnificent live performance (above).

On the local front, I'm very excited about the return of Mandy Kane. I was seriously obsessed with his debut "Tragic Daydreams" in the early part of this decade and I still listen to that album all the time. After a few years in the wilderness (ie. the UK), he's back with a sinister slice of goth-pop called "25 Seconds". The single was released last week and contains the brilliant Gary Numan/Ade Fenton remix. Take a listen on Mandy's Myspace and download the track from iTunes. Moving on to something slightly less cutting edge, Slinkee Minx are back with "Turn It Up", a dance track that's been doing the rounds for the past 6 months. I love the girls but this isn't their finest moment. However, it's still a fun, upbeat anthem that should get Oxford Street dancing. I really hope it's a success because I want another album! "Turn It Up" is released on the 7th of March. Give the song a listen here. Speaking of Central Station acts, I hear whispers that the holy goddess of Australian pop and former Slinkee Minx labelmate, Melissa Tkautz, is in the very early stages of putting together her next musical masterpiece. Fingers crossed this one doesn't get scrapped at the last minute!

While not quite in Mel's league, I'm still seriously loving Jessica Mauboy's album and I'm pleased the title track has been selected as the 3rd single. "Been Waiting" is another upbeat urban pop jam that should follow the first two singles into the top 10 with any luck. Check out Jessica performing the track live (above). Ignore the flagwaving losers in the crowd. Jessica really knows how to belt it out. Another act making a splash on the Australian charts are American comedians The Lonely Island who deserve some kind of award from bringing a song called "Jizz In My Pants" into the Australian top 30. Another fun chart surprise is the return of Rozalla with yet another remix of "Everybody's Free". I'm not a huge fan of the Global Deejay's update but it is good to see dirty, old Roz back in the top 10.

Moving on to the UK where Shontelle, a glamourpuss from Barbados, climbs up the charts this week to a new peak of #6 with "T-Shirt". D'Luv from Chart Rigger listed this as one of his 10 worst singles of 2008 but I have to disagree with my Pennsylvanian homegirl. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who names their album "Shontelligence" is clearly a diva worth appreciating. The song is actually rather sweet once you get past the mental image of Shontelle standing around with her gash exposed. Much less offensive is the release of Alan Connor's latest fabulous Hi-NRG anthem "Let Your Love Flow". It's a camp delight and even comes with a classy animated video!

If you're looking for slightly less cheesy dance music, give "Everybody" a listen. It's handiwork of super hot Russian DJ Rudenko and debuts in the UK top 30 this week. It's also starting to burn up dancefloors in Australia. However, my absolute favourite dance cut at the moment is Ferry Corsten's retrotastic "Made Of Love". This gem sounds like something from 1993, dragged kicking and screaming into 2009. The song is gearing up for a full release in the UK and I really hope it takes off. Check out the cheap but effective video (above). I love this song!

As far as America is concerned, I'm still loving the latest singles from Pink and Beyoncé (I'm pretending her shiteous Oscars performance never happened - anyway, I blame that disaster on national embarrassment Hugh Jackman) but I'm really coming around to Katy Perry's "Thinking Of You". At first I just wanted her to shut the fuck up and get back to singing about faux lesbians but this has grown on me something crazy. I think the stunning video has a lot to do with it. This is surely the year's best clip thus far. It's more like a mini-movie. Hell, it even has a war scene and a funeral! Apart from those divas, the only thing to really catch my ear is, strangely enough, a track by T-Pain's new R'n'B girlband Sophia Fresh. "Save Yourself" is so unexpected (given the rest of their uninspiring output). This gorgeous mid-tempo ballad sounds more like something from Robyn's second album ("My Truth") than anything in the American charts. Sadly it's not going to be a single, so check it out here. What a waste! I'm also getting a kick out of Beyoncé and Solange's new haircare advertisement for Feria. My Sol-Angel even provides the soundtrack! Check it out below:

Housekeeping

It's time for a little blog housekeeping. Basically, this post is a dumping ground for thoughts and little tidbits of information that I've been meaning to share for the past couple of weeks. I guess I should get the (really) boring stuff out of the way first. I finally pulled my finger out and made a Pop Trash Addicts Myspace. Add me as a friend if you can be bothered. I also need to overhaul my links. If you write or simply want to recommend a quality pop blog, send me an e-mail. You can find the address in my profile. Warning: I reserve the right to place a voodoo curse on anyone who directs me to a Girls Aloud fansite! Moving on to more exciting things, my Asian tour edition of "X" (pictured above) finally arrived. It's beautiful and actually worth owning - unlike the Australian version. I love the "making of" videos and it's nice to have Kylie's BRITS performance of "Wow" on DVD... even if the poor old thing looks like a bored housewife on Valium.

Speaking of fabulous Australian divas, how fantastic is it to see Jessica Mauboy at #1 on the singles chart? Written and produced by the Danish team behind Kylie's "Like A Drug" and "All I See", "Burn" really is a sparkling slice of urban dance-pop. I wasn't crazy about the song to begin with but it just gets better with each listen. Jess is now one of only three Indigenous performers (that I can think of) to reach the summit of the charts - along with Casey Donovan and Jimmy Little. If Sony manages to pick a decent follow-up single, I don't see why she can't do it all over again. Don't be put off by the hideous cover, "Been Waiting" is a really great pop album. Another quality local release that I've been playing all summer is Sneaky Sound System's "2". Unfortunately, this fabulous opus is suffering from serious BSC or bad single choices. After flopping miserably with "When We Were Young", the group have settled on "16" for single number 3. Great move. Another depressing piece of filler that you couldn't pay radio to play. It's frustrating because "2" contains so many hot jams with great hit potential. "I Want Everything" and "Lost In The Future" are two very obvious choices.

I'm on a roll, so I might as well continue with the local acts. Pop Trash readers will be very familiar with Melinda Jackson. I wrote about her regularly in 2007 ("Fall In Love" is still one of my favourite songs) but she sadly dropped off the pop radar last year. Happily, Mel has returned with a hot new sound and even a new name! She is starting over as Mindi and I wish her all the best. Mindi's edgy new tracks are streaming on her Myspace. They are definitely worth checking out. Another diva to feature regularly on Pop Trash Addicts is Zoe Badwi. I was completely obsessed with Sirens and raved about her first solo single way back in October. "Release Me" ended up being a #1 club hit for 7 weeks and three months later, it's still hovering in the top 5. A video has finally been released - sort of. Zoe's live performance at Sensation (a big NYE party) will serve as the clip unless "Release Me" crosses over to the pop charts. Check it out below. I really hope the song takes off. Zoe is amazing and "Release Me" deserves to be huge.

Now for the international divas. I'm not sold on Kelly Clarkson's new song. Pink did it first and Katy Perry did it better. There's no denying Max Martin's ability to knock out a catchy pop/rock tune but the man is turning into a boring production line of mediocrity. Pink and Katy get away with it because they have enough attitude to make his songs their own. I can't imagine anyone but Pink singing "So What" and who else but Katy Perry would blurt out "you PMS like a bitch, I should know". Kelly, on the other hand, gets completely lost in the mix. She's harmless enough but the woman is a personality free zone. For an example of Max Martin trying something different, I recommend Pink's new single "Please Don't Leave Me". It's one of the best songs on "Funhouse" and I love hearing it every 5 minutes (literally) on Australian radio.

While on the topic of American pop, I have to mention Christina Milian's amazing new single. "Us Against The World" sounds like the bastard child of Alicia Keys' "No One" and Whitney Houston's "My Love Is Your Love". In my mind, that's a very good thing. The sing was released digitally way back in October without making much of a splash but it finally seems to be taking off thanks to the recently filmed video clip. It's pretty classy - Christina basically rolls around some sand dunes wearing a series of increasingly skimpy outfits. I'm looking forward to her new album, "So Amazin'" was a real guilty pleasure. I guess I should also mention Beyoncé's new singles. Talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous. "Halo" is my favourite song from "Sasha Fierce" and I'm thrilled, if a little surprised, that it's going to be the next Australian single. Unfortunately, Beyoncé is going with "Diva" in America, which more than likely means we'll get it next. Words can't adequately describe how much I hate that song. A diva is NOT "a female version of a hustler". May drag queens smite you down, bitch! Annoyingly, the "Diva" video is totally fierce. I love the 80s shoulder pads and wicked dance moves. The "Halo" film clip, on the other hand, is the most insipid piece of shit Beyoncé has ever put her name to. At least the song is brilliant.

Just a few more things to get off my chest. Firstly, Spain is fucked. Soraya came second in the initial Eurovision vote - to this revolting rubbish. Even the shirtless men can't make that shit bearable. On the bright side, Soraya got enough votes to progress through to the next round, which will be a televised gala. I'm convinced Spain will fall under Soraya's beautiful spell when she belts out "La Noche Es Para Mi" in front of a live audience. If not, I'm moving to Portugal. That is when I find my Spanish husband. If nothing else, Eurovision has breathed new life into Soraya's amazing album - it's climbed from #99 to #57 over the past 3 weeks. That's true Dannii-esque $ucce$$! Soraya isn't the only fabulous Euro-diva desperately trying to revive their career at the moment. Germany's Sarah Connor has recorded a duet with Enrique Iglesias for the German version of his Greatest Hits. Amusingly, it's a re-make of "Takin' Back My Love" - the current American single that Enrique recorded with Ciara. Poor Sarah might get Ciara's sloppy seconds but at least it's a good song. Last but not least, spare a thought for poor La Toya. I can't believe Toy Toy was evicted from the Celebrity Big Brother house. The United Kingdom clearly has no fucking taste!

Soraya's Pop Masterpiece - Sin Miedo

If Soraya's "Sin Miedo" isn't THE best pop album of 2008, it comes very fucking close. The Spanish señorita has succeeded where so many A list divas have failed - by delivering a consistently excellent set of shiny dance-pop gems. This album belongs on your shelf between "Neon Nights" and "Fever". Yes, it's really that good! I first fell in love with Soraya's 80s cover albums ("La Dolce Vita" being my favourite) but "Sin Miedo" is a huge leap forward. With the exception of two slightly misguided English language tracks, all the songs are original and very contemporary. The production is now of international standard and even Soraya's image has been given a complete overhaul. This isn't so much a new direction as an entire re-birth. Here is my track by track review of Soraya's timeless masterpiece:

Sin Miedo - 8/10

I find it really difficult to review music in languages I don't understand. I'm completely in awe of bloggers like Poster Girl and Robpop, who can happily wax lyrical about Ethiopian folk albums and Finnish death metal. Lyrics are very important to me but I guess being oblivious to the finer details is kind of freeing and you really don't need to understand a word of Spanish to guess that "Sin Miedo" ("Without Fear") is an uplifting declaration of independence. One of two tracks imported from Sweden, this has the slightest whiff of Scandipop blandess. Happily, the song is saved by an iconic chorus and Soraya's impressive pipes. "Sin Miedo" is far from the best song on the album and would not have been my choice as the first single but at least the video clip is a triumph. A battered looking Soraya wanders through a graveyard before changing into stilettos and conveniently stumbling across a dance party. That kind of shit happens to me ALL THE TIME!

Para Ti - 10/10

After a promising beginning, the album really steps up a gear with the dazzling "Para Ti" ("For You"). Produced by Spain's DJ Sammy (who scored top 10 hits of his own in Australia with dance re-makes of "Heaven" and "Boys Of Summer") and written by the team behind Marta Sanchez's brilliant "Superstar", this track introduces Soraya to the dancefloor. I love the production on this. It's edgy and contemporary, while still sounding sweet and melodic. The opening synths are particularly wicked. DJ Sammy should be legally forced to collaborate with all Spanish divas!

No Siento - 10/10

"No Siento" is another stellar DJ Sammy production despite the fact that it shamelessly rips off is clearly inspired by Madonna's "Get Together" (it's particularly obvious around the line "Nunca más me harás sufrir"). On the bright side, DJ Sammy at least has the good taste to copy that old whore's last decent single and this is a rare example of an imitation that surpasses the original. I love everything about this track - from the ethereal electro sound palette to the subtlely catchy chorus. However, the biggest revelation for me is Soraya's voice. I'm used to her belting out songs but the amount of variation on display here is a surprise. I love the softness and sexiness she exudes. I'm not sure why she can't seem to show this side in her English material.

Duele - 9/10

The beats come thick and heavy on this mid-tempo groove couresty of Ten Productions - the production house behind Soraya's last two albums and Brigitte Nielsen's amazing "No More Turning Back"! Dannii seriously needs to hire these guys. They make great, uplifting pop music and can't be that expensive if Gitta can afford them! "Duele" isn't the catchiest song on "Sin Miedo" but there's something utterly hypnotic about it. The track also offers an interesting change of pace after a string of upbeat floorfillers. I'd love to know what this is about. Poor Soraya sounds a bit forlorn. I think some fucker has been messing with my princess!

La Noche Es Para Mi - 7.5/10

The second song on the album penned by Swedes and once again, it's ever so slightly underwhelming. I love the middle eastern beats (courtesy of the team at Ten Productions) and the occasional English sentence but something is missing. The chorus doesn't really work for me and the few lyrics that I can understand are seriously tacky: "Tus ojos son un volcán" - basically, "your eyes are a volcano". A guy with red, glowing eyes? Poor Soraya is dating the anti-christ! Interestingly, there is talk that this could be Spain's 2009 Eurovision entry - although she faces stiff competition from the amazing Rebeca in Spanish pre-selection. Despite my reservations about "La Noche Es Para Mi" (The Night Is Mine), I think it would go down well at Eurovision. It's just inane enough to win over viewers and it sounds like a cross between Sertab's "Every Way I Can" and Ruslana's "Wild Dances". Eurovision nerds might be interested to note that two of the songwriters (Dimitri Stassos and Irini Michas) also have a tune entered in Melodienfestivalen (Swedish pre-selection) called "Alla", which will be performed by Sofia. I'm sure that bitch has nothing on Soraya!

Caminaré (Duet with Kate Ryan) - 10/10

Soraya's second duet with Kate Ryan is an absolute triumph. The cover version loving ladies first teamed up for "No Digas Que No" on the Spanish version of Kate's "Free" album but "Caminaré" is a massive improvement on that dud. In fact, this is one of the best songs on "Sin Miedo". Soraya and Kate harmonize wonderfully and the blend of Spanish and French is beautiful. There's also a touch of melancholy about the chorus that I find strangely touching. The first time I heard it, I was convinced it was yet another example of Kate reviving an obscure Euro hit ("Ella Elle L'a", "Voyage Voyage" etc) because of the distinct Italo disco flavour (someone has been listening to a lot of Moroder) but it's an entirely original composition. I just wish Kylie and Dannii's duet had sounded half this good.

Piel Contra Piel - 10/10

DJ Sammy returns for another expertly crafted dance anthem with "Piel Contra Piel" (Skin Against Skin). There's something incredibly atmospheric about this track. It's dark, sexy and a just a little bit naughty. In other words, it's the perfect soundtrack to Soraya's saucy FHM photoshoot! DJ Sammy really has done an amazing job on this album. His tracks are all uniformly excellent but incredibly diverse in sound. Each track explores a different dance sub-genre while staying true to Soraya's pop sensibility.

Give Me Your Love - 8.5/10

Soraya wrote "Give Me Your Love" (her only writing credit) with Spanish DJs Magan & Rodriguez. If you haven't seen the sleazy video to their dance smash "Suck My", check it out. I never thought peeling a zucchini could be so erotic! Unfortunately, "Give Me Your Love" doesn't involve sexy times with vegetables but it's still fabulous. The team from Ten Productions provide a memorable array of pristine beats and kooky sound effects, while Soraya does her best sex kitten impersonation. I particularly love the non-sensical English lyrics: "Give me your heart and nara nana nana na"! I'm guessing that was our queen's contribution. Singer, nude model, songwriting genius - Is there no end to Soraya's amazing talent?!

Uno En Un Millón - 7/10

An impressive list of people have lent their talent to "Sin Miedo". "Uno En Un Millón" (One In A Million) was written by William Luque, who has collaborated with the likes of Natalia, D'Nash, Chenoa and Spain's greatest export - Las Supremas! He's obviously a man of exquisite taste. "Uno En Un Millón" is a very solid album track but it's not a standout. I like the punchy verses and uplifting chorus but it lacks the edge of tracks like "Piel Contra Piel" and "Para Ti".

Ángel Caído - 10/10

The final Spanish language track on the album is pure pop perfection. "Ángel Caído" (Fallen Angel) is DJ Sammy's most commercial contribution to the album and really would have made a brilliant first single. It's the catchiest track on "Sin Miedo" and one of the best pop songs I've heard all year. "Ángel Caído" actually reminds me a little of Kylie's "Butterfly" - it's an unusually beautiful dance anthem, complete with gorgeous synths and an uplifting chorus. I love Soraya's voice on this. She conveys a softness and a sense of joy that is utterly contagious. I just wish Soraya would record an English version - "Ángel Caído" has international hit potential.

Rebound - 6/10

"Rebound" gets my vote for the worst song on the album. Originally performed by the tedious German girlband Monrose, this song was pretty average to begin with. Admittedly, Soraya's version is a massive improvement and I'm pleased to note that her English pronunciation has improved greatly - even since last year's "La Dolce Vita". I just think this is superfluous. The original tracks on "Sin Miedo" are all superior to this tat. It's not awful by any means but "Rebound" feels like a small step backwards.

Love Is All Around - 8/10

I expected the worst when I saw this in the tracklist. "Love Is All Around" has to be one of the most covered songs of the decade. The charisma free zone that is Agnes Carlsson ruined it originally before Ricki-Lee turned it into something extraordinary. Since then it's been covered by pop stars in Asia and South Africa. As the queen of cover versions, I guess it's only fitting that Soraya has a go at making it her own. She doesn't quite match Ricki-Lee's version but her "Love Is All Around" is a pleasant surprise. It's been given a cute dance makeover and really showcases her improved English vocals.

"Sin Miedo" should be Soraya's ticket to cult diva status around the world (move over Kate Ryan and September), which is lucky because I get the feeling Spain is not particularly interested. When I was there people generally rolled their eyes when I mentioned her name, a shop assistant offered to show me some "good" cds to buy instead and a record exec dissed Señorita Arnelas as a washed up reality star. I hope they all burn in hell!