Billie Piper
Walk Of Life
(Virgin/Innocent)
By Lennat Mak
It's been a long wait. After four Top 3 singles, U.K. pop sensation Billie Piper began to blend into the pop background, and for the past year, she was known only as"the girlfriend of Rich (Neville) from Five."However, just when you think you have heard the last of her, Billie storms back with a"Mariah Carey-ized"image, and crashes into the U.K. charts with her fourth No.1 smash"Day And Night."And if you liked Billie's past works and the present smash hit, I can boldly say that you will definitely like Billie's absolutely fabulous second album,"Walk Of Life."For I think Billie has just succeeded in disappointing those mean critics on the prowl, ready to kill off aspiring stars. Cheers.Not quite the usual blonde from the U.S., and perhaps a little bit better, Billie has roped in her collaborators like Wendy Page, Jim Marr, and sound mixer Peter Craig. She has also co-written five songs on her 12-track album. With her sexy and luscious voice, the album has a bit of everything -- edgier songs like"Day And Night,""Something Deep Inside,""Ring My Bell;"the hip-hop cover of the Blondie hit"The Tide Is High;"poppier songs like"Makin' My Way;"easy listeners like"Misfocusing;"and soulful renderings like"Walk Of Life,""Safe With Me,"and"First Love."Perhaps I might sound a bit biased here (me sister is a huge fan and I am always bombarded with slogans like"Billie rules!"and such). But this album will certainly be one of those better pop albums that can stay a little longer in any CD player. And you can't help but agree that Billie is definitely one of the brightest pop stars around. Welcome back, Billie!
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