the 31 best of 2007 – 8: Mika – Life in Cartoon Motion

Perhaps one of the catchiest records I have heard in many, many years, Mika’s debut album, Life in Cartoon Motionsolidified itself a spot on my top list right after my first listen. Mika is one of those artists that you listen to, and instantly recognize not only a great deal of talent, but you genuinely believe that he makes music because he loves to do it. Interestingly enough, I pegged this as one of the best albums of 2007 back in February, and here it is near the top of my list, well, because I was right.

Channeling a little bit of Freddy Mercury, and banging his heart out on the piano, Mika truly performs the shit out of some amazing songs on his debut. Not only that, he portrays this passion that is so refreshing to hear from someone so “new” to the scene, as well as from someone so young. Given his pop-electro sound, and his flamboyant style, it is no wonder that Mika was so popular with the gays this year, regardless of his own sexuality (which he has yet to state as one thing or another).

I was lucky enough to see Mika live this year, and I have to say, that if I had ANY doubt about his talent, and his ability as a musician before that show, it was solidly blown away by the time the curtain came down. Mika is one of those amazingly strong performers that really can stand out as a strong and charismatic solo singer. Couple that with the powerful voice, and those catchy as hell pop songs, and you have yourself a record chock full of fun, over the top pop hits. Life in Cartoon Motionis just a feel good record, and each of the songs are so radio worthy, that it wouldn’t surprise me if you saw single after single coming off of this record for a long time to come.

I am glad that was exposed to the amazingness that is Mika early on (even before his record dropped in the US!), and I have have been a huge fan ever since. This is one of those records that you can just pop in the CD player, and have a damn good time listening to. It is a feel good, amazingly produced pop record, and it definitely deserves a spot near the top of my list; and so here it is! It really gets me anxious to think, that if Mika can deliver a debut record as amazing as this one is, what he is capable of in the future. I can definitely say, that he has got my full, and undivided attention.

Favorites from Life in Cartoon Motion:
My Interpretation
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/mika-myinterpretation.mp3]
Any Other World
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/mika-anyotherworld.mp3]
Grace Kelly
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/mika-gracekelly.mp3]
Happy Ending, Love Today, and Big Girls (You Are Beautiful). (click the links for youtube videos!)

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