Siobhan Donaghy: Ghosts

I'm not shy about the fact that I'm a bit of a pop tart and in that capacity I want to recommend Siobhan Donaghy's new album Ghosts.

It's intelligent and haunting pop with hints of Madonna and of course the Sugababes. Weirdly though she some how seems to sound more like the Sugababes do now that she did when she was in the band six or so years ago.

Four years ago, despite critical praise, her debut album charted at just number 117 but it seems things are about to turn around for Donaghy.

The production is fabulous and adds a great deal to thoughtful and emotive songs. It actually has many similarities with Garbage's album Beautiful, another record on which the production was not just the icing but the filling and the cherries on top of the cake.

Particular highlights of the album are Goldfish and 12 Bar Acid Blues both of which are songs of dispair and frustration set against flawless production and chilling melodies.

Don't discard this as cheesy pop, this is intelligent and thought-provoking and deserves more than a chance.

For samples go to Siobhan's website or MySpace.

Image by avlxyz.