Album Review: Mari Wilson, Pop Deluxe

Most people remember Mari Wilson for her big hit from 1982, Just What I've Always Wanted. Her style of music always harked back to the Sixties and the songs of Burt Bacharah.

Now she has released an album of the songs that are inspired from her memories of listening to these songs over and over in her bedroom on her Dansette. Most of the tracks are by the likes of Dusty Springfield, Sandie Shaw and Cilla Black.

It is a brave attempt to record these tracks because the originals were so strong; so her version of Sandie Shaw's Always Something There To Remind Me sounds pale in comparison to the original version.

Where Wilson does shine is on the slower tracks such as The Look of Love. Later in her career she recorded some jazz styled tracks and you can hear that in this particular track.

She adds an electronic version to Don't Sleep in the Subway, which adds a new dimension to the song. Her version of the Dusty Springfield track, In Private is good but again is pale compared to the original version. However she manages to pull off Anyone Who Had A Heart.

The album ends with a soulful version of I Just Don't Know What To Do. Again the track is more suited to her voice.

It's good to hear Wilson again. It might not be just what you've always wanted but it would be great to hear her perform these tracks on tour.

3 out of 5