Sticks + Stones

I think the title of this album says just about all you need to know about the music contained on it. I get the feeling Cher got a lot of flack for this album, but just went ahead and produced it anyway; and there’s much to be said for courage in your convictions.

A graduate of Simon Cowell’s X-Factor series, after finishing fourth she was signed to Sony subsidiary Syco Music, under which she has released this, her debut. Her sound could be likened to Lily Allen, although she is a fairly accomplished rapper as well, as shown in “Grow Up,” working with Busta Rhymes. A lot of back-end has gone into this, with big industry names on lyrics and music, and it shows; slick production abounds. Buy this one for the missus maybe…