Cheryl Cole - Promise This

So Cheryl Cole's brand new single from her sophomore album (Supposedly titled 'Messy Little Raindrops') has been aired, and due to the excitement surrounding it I've decided to review it a little prematurely :-)


Coming in with a burst of electro synths, this track is instantly a complete u-turn from anything Cheryl had to offer from her last album. Sampling the French children's nursery rhyme 'Alouette,' Cheryl catches the listener unaware with an uptempo dance number.


With her opening lines, there is an fear that the creative forces behind 'Team Cole' have run dry as the track initially sounds almost identical to her previous album track 'Rain On Me,' albeit with a different backing. Fortunately this similarity soon dissipates and Cheryl's fast-paced vocals continue, sounding strong and confident.


As we draw to the chorus, the track slows, although this will obviously be remedied in thousands of clubs up and down the country as various remixes inevitably emerge. The hook of the track sounds almost anthem-like, with a euphoric feel thanks to the syth driven backdrop and luckily Cole's usually more fragile voice manages to hold its own. Furthermore, there's a bittersweet irony to the lyrics, such as "...if I die before I wake..." after Cheryl's well publicised battle with Malaria.


The track as a whole is an interesting mix of a more traditional sounding ballad crossed with a club track, a good move from Cole's creative team, ensuring that the X Factor Queen stays fresh. Additionally, an expected performance by Cheryl on the aforementioned show should once again be sensational, (And will probably ensure her a #1 chart position).


The sped up 'Alouette' interlude sounds funky and is a welcome insert into the track, and when reintroduced at the end of the piece, Cheryl's ultra slow ending shows a vulnerable edge to the song.


'Promise This' may not have quite the same clout as 'Fight For This Love' but is a good step in the right direction for Cheryl, whose solo career is bound to go from strength to strength after adding another, electro-pop, arrow to her bow.


8/10 - SPICE!