Abstract Theory

by

Abs

Edit

It seems fitting that a former member of the most cutting edge boy band to surface in the late nineties should produce the best 'after the band' solo effort. Abs blends his personal style with a somewhat predictable corporate pop turnout to create a decent pop/dance album that surpasses much more critically acclaimed efforts by the likes of former Nsync members JC Chasez and Justin Timberlake.

While some tracks follow an expected formula, such as 'Miss Perfect', 'Angel' and 'Shame', Abs' more eclectic style comes out in the more experimental tracks like 'What You Got', 'Roll With Me' and the daringly unique 'Emotional'. It is a great pity that the album was never introduced to the US market. Tracks like '7 Ways', which calls to mind the successful freestyle format of the early nineties (think: Johnny O and Cynthia) and the irresistibly danceable tracks 'Stop Sign' and 'Back to the Limbo' would have created a buzz if they had reached the proper audience, not to mention the soulfully sorrowful 'Rain', one of the better ballads to come out of the UK in some time.

Bottom line? Drop 'Now or Never, put down 'Schizophrenic' and for heaven's sake, run away screaming from 'Justified', and pick up a copy of 'Abstract Theory' instead. Its great pop music that's not hiding behind any prepackaged facade and worth every penny.

I've been a fan of 5ive since 1999 and when they announced that they were breking up, I was crushed. But when Abs Breen said that he was coming back, I was feeling better since I thought that he was the most talented of the group. So here is the review of his first album Abstract Theory track by track.

1. Stop Sign, 8/10: At first listen, it sounded a bit like an Aaron Carter song but after a few listenings,it sounds great especially the bridge.

2. Miss Perfect, 9/10: great song featuring Nodesha

3. What You Got, 7/10: OK song

4. 7 Ways, 10/10: My favorite song, the bridge is fantastic cuz he sings it really fast.

5. Back To The Limbo, 7/10: Limbo song

6. Rain, 9/10: First ballad of the album, really great, he sings about his girl leaving him.

7. Turn Me Up, 8/10: Great up-tempo song.

8. Lovers Rock, 6.5/10: Another ballad, sounds like a 5ive song.

9. Roll With Me, 6/10: Slow song, sounds like another 5ive song.

10. Emotional 5/10: I think with this song, Abs was trying to get

back to his Turkish roots but it just doesn't work. The strings made me think that the song was going to pick up but it just another disappointment.

11. Shame, 6/10: OK song

12. Angel, 8/10: Great ballad, it's the song that saves the 2nd

half of the album from boredom.

13. Spin, 8/10: bonus track, great song, the bridge is great.

14. The One And Only, 6/10: hidden track featuring Caroline.