Precious

Description

Representing Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest has, more often than not, brought about the end of the pop careers of those chosen for the honour. Luckily for Precious, their association seems to have done them little harm. Maybe it's because they only came an insignificant 12th, or that their entry, "Say It Again", was a fine pop tune in its own right, but either way Precious came out of the event with their future intact--the only Euro reminder being their entry's inclusion on their self-titled debut album. Written and produced by those who have penned and styled hits for 5ive, Another Level, Mark Morrison, Take That, George Michael, Boyzone and Westlife, Precious is flawless pop with a pronounced R&B flavour. Without that R&B edge the five have a tendency to sound like an All Saints/Spice Girls/Girl Thing/Billie identikit girl group. Add that stabbing R&B groove that Britney Spears and The Backstreet Boys love so much and spice the sweet harmonies with a "don't mess" lead vocal and contagious tunes "Rewind", "New Beginning", "It's Gonna Be My Way" and "Ain't It Funny How" are some of most stylish and classy pop around. No wonder they were too much for Eurovision to take in. --Dan Gennoe