Debut from young Scottish singer.
A disconcertingly young singer-songwriter, Amy Macdonald hails from Glasgow and her website describes her as a 'teen-sensation'. Apparently inspired by the likes of Travis and Pete Doherty, Ms Macdonald has forgone the chance to be an undergraduate in favour of pursuing a music career. 'Poison Prince' is heavily reminiscent of Thea Gilmore, and by no means necessarily a bad thing it immediately pushes Amy Macdonald into the slightly mediocre bracket. The fast paced acoustic-folk is jaunty and likeable while you're listening to it but quickly becomes forgotten soon after, even following repeated listening.
'Mr Rock 'n Roll' is similar; a bearable song when you are unacquainted with it but one which fast becomes grating on further listens. Its rhythm and overall tone are just far too perky to be likeable, I suppose suggesting that I prefer my songwriters to be much more gnarly and biting.
'L.A' is a more natural song, with Macdonald attempting the mournful regret of her seniors. The song still lacks true depth however, and the end result is a rather saccharine attempt at sadness. The line "I don't need no-one else" is also the kind to make me run screaming to Glasgow in order to track this singer down and educate her on the bastardisation of the English language.
'Youth of Today' although possessing a rather annoying title, is the most adult sounding song featured here, although it still comes across as a rather clichéd "no-one understands us and we don't want to listen anyway" lyrically.
'Run' is not a cover of Snow Patrol's torch song but an original song bearing the same hugely uninspiring title. As a song it is obviously attempting the style of a ballad, and is the weakest of those featured here. There is nothing to recommend in 'Run' and even less to make it memorable.
Amy Macdonald might find modest success as an antidote to Avril Lavigne, particularly now that Ms Lavigne seems to be fulfilling a spot previously occupied by Britney and posing for lads' mags. Pre-teens might find this appealing but to everyone this is likely to be an overwhelmingly unconvincing experience.