Olly Murs: 'In Case You Didn't Know' - Album review

Say what you will about Olly Murs, but there's little denying that he works his tight 'n' teeny (we presume) little socks off. In exactly 12 months since his multi-platinum-selling debut, he's toured non-stop, taken on the role of Xtra Factor co-host and somehow found time to work on a follow-up record.

What's more, the findings on the resulting In Case You Didn't Know suggest there's still pur-lenty of energy left in him yet. Ska-flecked lead single 'Heart Skips A Beat' was a natural but confident progression from his previous record - earning extra cool points for roping in newbies Rizzle Kicks for a skit - while follow-up 'Dance With Me Tonight' is a fun, '50s horn-blaring romp.

For the most part, the remainder of the album deviates between the two; from the white-soul sounds heard in 'Oh My Goodness' and 'I'm OK' to the reggae-light beats found on 'Tell The World' and the immediate standout title track. While he might sound well and truly in his comfort zone, 'This Song Is About You' is enough to ensure he's putting his back into it - and that it's one of the few ballads to be found here makes it all the more touching.

His formula starts to show signs of faltering towards the back-end - namely on the predictable 'On My Cloud' and limp, inoffensive 'Anywhere Else'; but for the most part, the production is slick and the lyrics cheekier than his winning smile. In case you didn't know, Olly Murs is very good at making this pop business look like a leisurely stroll in a sunny park.

Tracks to download: 'Heart Skips A Beat', 'This Song Is About You', 'In Case You Didn't Know', 'Just Smile'
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