Vitamin C – Vitamin C

Artist: Vitamin C

Title: Vitamin C

Label: Elektra

Rating: 5/10

Vitamin C has been dancing and singing for longer than any of us even know. She once fronted the pop band Eve’s Plum, recorded two albums and pranced around the world. Now she is back, solo with her self-titled debut, Vitamin C.

The first track, “Smile”, is catchy, very pleasing. The best thing about it is its chorus (“put a smile on your face/ make the world a better place”) and positive message. And you certainly shouldn’t miss an almost show-stealing rap by Jamaican dance hall artist Lady Shaw. “Turn On Me” is mostly spoken until the chorus that tries to hook us with its clever “are you gonna turn me on?/ or are you gonna turn on me?”. Still, just being clever isn’t enough. “Me, Myself and I” is a slickly crafted track, but Vitamin C is annoying when she sings the chorus, “just me, myself and I,” over background vocals that are much stronger than her offering.

Some of the songs are just too clich. “Not That Kind Of Girl” is one of them. I was sitting in traffic listening to this track and was completely embarrassed as I noticed the people in the car next to me giving me a weird look. I quickly turned the song down and clicked to the next track, “Do What You Want To Do”. This song is similar to “Smile” with its positive message as she begs us just be ourselves. It’s too bad the message is better than the song.

“Girls Against Boys” boasts a great sound and loop. It sounds modern and is probably the best track on the album, though the chorus is silly and not as daring as the music. And the rap that fills a lot of air toward the end is lame as hell. “I Got You” has an electro feel with a synth chorus marching along. The track reminds me of Cher’s latest attempt at becoming a nightclub queen. “I Got You” falls short, but could show up in clubs all over the world. “Graduation (Friends Forever)” is actually very beautiful. The orchestra backdrop is mixed with a looping drum part. I just wish this track had a chorus that was an equal match to the music and the choir that backs her.

Although this album isn’t quite a critic’s choice, it is still very entertaining. The music is top-notch, but the chorus almost never meets its potential. The album is as good as most pop stuff you’ll find on the radio today. But if you decide to buy it, consider yourself forewarned: you may not listen to this album over and over again, with the exception of one or two tracks. This is one vitamin that won’t satisfy your daily-recommended allowance.

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