Play were all girl group in the early 2000's that consisted of Anaïs Lameche, Anna Sundstrand, Rosanna (Rosie) Munter and Fanny (Faye) Hamlin. Together they released two albums, "Us Against the World", in the U.S. it was just self-titled "Play", in 2002 and "Replay" in 2003. Unfortunately Faye left the group and was replaced by Janet Leon. The group then released "Don't Stop the Music" and "Play Around the Christmas Tree" in 2004 before taking breaking up releasing a greatest hits album called "Girl's Mind" in 2005. In 2009 Play was reformed as a three-piece consisting on original members Anaïs and Faye and new member Sanne Karlsson. Anna didn't participate in the reunion because she was living in the U.S. and Rosie dropped out of the reunion at the last minute. The newly formed Play released "Under My Skin" in 2010 only for Faye to leave the band again at the end of the year. She was replaced this time by Emelie Norenberg and the group were supposed to release an Ep for the comeback to the U.S. but the band broke up once again. Today I'll be reviewing Play's second album "Replay" which was their highest peaking album in the U.S. and had more of an R&B sound than their previous album. Here's my track by track review.
1) I Must Not chase the Boys: The album's first single. The verses are shared by both Anaïs and Faye. The song is a coming of age song wanting and one of their most known songs. It's video featured the girls in a mansion performing. 10/10
2) Honey to the Bee: This song is a cover. It was originally sung by Billie Piper, most known for playing Rose Tyler on "Doctor Who". Unlike the original version which is pop, Play's version has a trip hop beat and the vocals are slightly stronger than Billie's. 10/10
3) Just a Little: This song is also a cover. The song was originally performed by Liberty X. The lyrics are slightly different on Play's version although like the original version it keeps an R&B feeling to it. Faye also sings on this song. 10/10
4) Whole Again: The second and final single from the album. Not only does Faye sing lead on this song with Anaïs singing the last verse, but this song is also a cover. It was originally performed by Atomic Kitten, who's version is a little better than this song. The song was also covered by girl group No Secrets and released as a single the same year as Play released their version. And yet it wasn't really talked about at the time. Strange. 10/10
5) Hot: After three covers we get an original song. Unfortunately "Hot" feels like a watered-down, weaker version of "Just a Little". Even a rap from Shaggy can't make help this song. 6/10
6) Girl's Mind: One of the more pop/rock sounding songs, "Girl's Mind" talks about how a boy can try and try but he'll never understand what goes through a girl's mind. It's a really good song and I think it should've been the third single. 10/10
7) What Is Love?: "What is love but a kiss on a rainy day, a smile that won't go away, a safe place to run". This is an amazing ballad. It's talks about what love is. In 2004 Raven-Symoné for her album, "This Is My Time". 10/10
8) 11 out of 10: One of my favorite songs on the album. Anaïs and Faye take turns singing the verses on this one as well. The group No Angels covered the song for their album "Pure" and we're going to release it as single but in the end didn't. 10/10
9) Let's Get to the Love Part: I initially ignored this song for a long time. Then I decided to listen to it and loved it. The verses and the chorus are amazing. The song does sound a little too mature for the group but they make it work. 10/10
10) 2 Blocks Down: This is my favorite song on the album. Strange because like "Let's Get to the Love Part" I ignored "2 Blocks Down". Great song and it should've been released as a single! 10/10
11) Ain't No Mountain High Enough: Another cover song. This time it's the classic "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" originally sung by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. The beat is pretty catchy and although I like it but the song isn't as great as the original. 8/10
12) Unspeakable: This song was released as a Target Exclusive bonus track. Like some of the songs on the album, Faye mainly sings the song by herself. It's still a very good song though. 10/10
Although Play has broken up, they still made amazing music. I love all the songs on this album. Out of 120 points I give the album 114 points which is 95%, an A. No surprise since this is my favorite album from them.
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