Choice Cut : Best Of Me, Whole World Around, Fly Away, Love You Lately

Official website: http://www.danielpowter.com/

Daniel Powter returns with a pretty aptly titled album - Under the Radar, the follow-up to his 2005 self-titled effort. You will remember him most (or only) for the monstrously successful hit single "Bad Day." No longer content to be pegged as a one-hit wonder, Powter has actively tried to outdo himself and come into his own. Under the Radar is the creative result. Together with producer Linda Perry (known for her work with Pink, Christina Aguilera and Alicia Keys), they have managed to add an unexpected depth of emotion and sensuality to Powter's music.

The album opens promisingly with "Best of Me," a simple and wonderfully sweet ballad. Soft and sincere, it showcases Powter's trademark falsetto to good effect. The tempo and instrumental emphasis (from piano to guitar) shifts to a mildly rockish mode with "Not Coming Back." Going back to what he does best, Powter croons beautifully to "Whole World Around," a sentimental number that will surely become a love confessional for quite a few of you out there.

Powter's carrier single "Next Plane Home," is an uplifting and catchy tune, that doesn't lose any of its romantic inkling as you bop your head along to it. Going down the tempo range, Powter turns sombre for "Am I Still The One?," a haunting requiem that is certainly something different from the previous perky, piano pop. "Negative Fashion" is one of the sparkling gems, not just melody-wise, but lyrically as well.

It is interesting to note that Powter sounds best when he does the lighter-sounding tracks that have a delicious tinge of bittersweetness, brought on by his aforementioned falsetto techniques. A prime example is "Fly Away," an island-inspired, guitar-strumming track that calls to mind gentle swaying in the sea breeze.

Another highlight would be the jaunty-sounding "My So Called Life," melding a perfect accompaniment of guitars and piano chords. Bonus track, "Love You Lately," is a breakup number that is full of good hope. It is a perfectly optimistic and nostalgic end that has the consequence of making you want to loop the album yet again.

Daniel Powter has always been a very underrated artist, in my humble opinion. Certainly here, he deserves no small measure of credit as a talented musician and songwriter. Along with an emotionally layered voice that is extremely suitable for this genre of piano pop, Powter has also given us an immensely soothing, feel-good album that is only too easy to listen to and love.

We're glad Daniel Powter has decided to stop bubbling Under the Radar.