Blue's melancholy All Rise, probably the only hit of 2001 to feature accordion as lead instrument, was such a sterling example of what thoughtful production can achieve in the boy-band genre that they can be excused for duplicating it across this album.
The strategy essentially pays off, though half a dozen of the 15 tracks - particularly a floppy duet with Elton John on his very worst song, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word - could have been left on the cutting-room floor.
Things amble along in a satisfyingly low-key way, with as much attention lavished on strong, soulful harmonies as laid-back R&B trimmings. Inspired by American acts like Levert (hence the Essex-accented references to "the click" and "my cellphone"), the thing is one long booty call.
Supersexual lays it on the line in four minutes of pre-coital grunts, but the flowing showpiece, One Love, leaves more to the imagination, just as it should. A decent showing from one of the less idiotic boy bands.
