Honesty

It's easy to dismiss Alex Parks as "miserable" because of her naturally wistful tone of voice, but it doesn't do Chris Martin from Coldplay any harm.Two years after winning the BBC's Fame Academy, Alex releases her first "proper" album, mercifully free of cover versions.Upon first listen, "Honesty" seems rather unremarkable, but before long, each song's personality begins to soak into your consciousness. This album is a textbook "grower". There are some obvious standout tracks:Opener "Lie" sounds vaguely sinister and 007-ish, with forceful vocals and a sweeping orchestra."Out of Touch" is a tenderly sung and beautifully understated lullaby."So Emotional" is heartbreaking, with a simple acoustic guitar for accompaniment, and would be quite at home on the first "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" soundtrack alongside the likes of Alison Krauss and Bif Naked."Get Out" is mellow and sublime, and stands head and shoulders above the rest of the album, with a triumphant chorus. The lush vocal harmonies in the middle section will give you goosebumps."Honesty" is an upbeat and pacy singalong, with a little slide guitar thrown in giving it a vaguely American pop tinge."Adore" is rather downbeat, and begins simply enough, building to a soaring finale with distorted guitars as Alex unleashes her vocals, reminiscent of Bjork and Sinead O'Connor.Throw away your preconceptions, and chill out to this excellent collection of tunes. If this is what Alex produces as a fledgling artist then she's destined for greatness. A true gem.

I have been a big fan of Alex's ever since hearing her on the BBC's Fame Academy. When the show was on I voted for her every week because I was genuinely excited by her musical talent. I saw the potential for a great British female singer-songwriter, something we have not seen in the UK for a while.I've always been a big fan of singer-songwriters and have over 100 CDs in that genre. I would have to say that this second album ranks very highly and shows a big growth lyrically and musically. It also shows a maturity which sees the angry teenage angst of 'Introduction' changed into a softer (almost melancholy) sound. This could be why the record label failed to promote the second album as they don't know how to market this kind of record. However the international success of artists such as Dido and Sarah McLachlan shows that there is an apatite and a loyal following for this type of music.I held off buying Honesty as I wanted to hear some reviews of how her sound had evolved for her sophomore release, but they never came. About a year later I bought it and I just wished I'd bought it earlier because I find it a hugely enjoyable listen.

Glad I purchased this 2nd album by Alex Parks, her 1st was great and this just cements her wonderful voice in my opinion.

Alex has a nice voice but I found the songs a bit melancholy in tone and not particularly memorable!

Not heard much from this artist recently but such a beautiful voice from a beautiful young lady..!! I have her first album, Introduction, and now this one. They never leave my car. Excellent stuff..!!

Like Ales ever since Fame Academy. Shes ace

Great CD. Pity she's not made more

Alex Parks is potentially the latest and greatest female vocalist of our time.The Album - this is a good album. It is a welcome surprise to see her talents as a song writer. In general she doesn't stretch her vocal abilities but her style will very much please those who enjoy Annie Lennox or Alison Moyet. It is an album that grows on you.I like very much the song writing collaboration with Judie Tzuke. I sincerely hope on her next album she does cover versions of Judie's 'Lady's Night Tonight' and 'Stay With Me to Dawn'A great album for late night relaxation in particular 'Adore' 'Honesty' 'From The Inside' and 'Truth or Dare'. However her current backing band is less than inspirational and the drum machine on several of the tracks is hollow and must go.As a singer she is destined for greater things, especially when she finds a more talented bunch of backing musicians.