The Boy Who Knew Too Much

Mika ’s songs become hits at once

One can surely state that everyone who is not especially eager to become a star and surprise the world with one’s singing is incredibly lucky to watch how the story of such a unique performer as Mika is unfolding. Now, after the success of his splendid debut album Life In Cartoon Motion released at the beginning of 2007, the 24 year old artist can forget of the not very pleasant events in his life. It is high time for him to fully submerge in his favorite occupation and enjoy creating the excellent pop music which is certain to remain in the world’s history. His effervescent sense of humor, natural optimism and yet some efficient life experience allow Mika writing the songs that become hits right away, therefore everyone has been anticipating his sophomore effort which the artist is giving us this year. The record The Boy Who Knew Too Much will not disappoint the singer’s huge fan base and moreover, confirm its predecessor’s success, once again offering several hits at once to the audience. Thematically the album is the debut’s continuation in many ways, and musically it once again presents an absolutely faultless work of a highest quality.

A calmer atmosphere prevails on The Boy Who Knew Too Much

On the whole Mika’s two albums are not fully identical – yes, there are some light danceable tunes and ballads on both of them, but a calmer atmosphere still prevails on The Boy Who Knew Too Much. This is by no means a drawback – there is enough room for both contagious reflective tracks on the record. The album starts with the first category compositions. The first single We Are Golden pleases with the artist’s vocals with the unimaginable voice range harmoniously combined with the joyful choir shouting adding some young spirit to the song. An unserious song Blame It On The Girls with a very successful beat makes us see the life in an optimistic light, and a ready danceable hit Rain pleases with a contrast singing on verses and a memorable chorus, worthy of Relax Take It Easy. A calmer number Dr. John with a splendid piano accompaniment is slightly reminiscent of The Beatles’ songs, whereas a most beautiful ballad I See You does Mika credit as a performer of lyrical songs. One of the highlights here is the track Touches You a bit reminiscent of George Michael’s Father Figure but built upon the most contagious beat and the vocals are simply faultless here. A light pop song One Foot Boy and an unusual, almost childish composition Toy Boy will surprise you with new shades in Mika's vocals, and the final track Pick Up Off The Floor with an orchestra arrangement and an amazing vocal part is also one of the highlights here.

Only up and forward

Producer Greg Wells who produced Mika’s debut has also produced The Boy Who Knew Too Much, so the singer did not need to worry about the arrangements which are all perfect here without exception. As for the tunes this talented artist also has no problem with that - his voice provides him with great opportunities in this field. Still crooning about his teenager adventures and first love experiences, Mika demonstrates that it is possible to consider things from different points of view, and he himself prefers to be happy and see positive sides in everything. Although there is not much eclectic on The Boy Who Knew Too Much as on the debut record, the artist’s charisma is fully preserved on the sophomore effort, moreover, he keeps evolving in his ballad performing. The best example in this respect is probably the Imogene Heap duet By The Time – it is unusual, warming and very gentle. Taking into account that Mika writes the songs and chooses themes himself, we can only guess what his third album will be like, yet no doubt that with the evident professional growth this nugget will move only up and forward.