Incredible (What I Meant To Say)

the band: Darius Danesh
the label: Mercury
the release date: Mon 3rd Mar 2003

If this reads like I'm on the offensive, it's because I am.

I don't want you seven people who have read this far to be in any doubt about it. This is a statement of what I believe. This is not an ironic "pop is actually shit" rant hidden in a single review. En garde!

I love the new Darius Danesh single, in fact it's quite possible I love quite a lot of music that many of you would guffaw at as you listen to the latest Kings Reach Towers sponsored mini-dynasty of amphetamined up Suzi Quatro sound-alikes.

Yeah, it's another love-themed pop song and the lyrics are smart and funny, and why shouldn't they be? Sprightly studio pop with a clear acoustic guitar part, big backing vocals with solid beats sprinkled with some pro-tools effects. But apart from that, this is a great song.

It has a glad-to-be-bloody-alive chorus that you can feel coming a mile off, and I'm already getting tingles imagining cars driving by in the sunshine with this blaring out. Why can't it be as credible as anything else out there regardless of whether he wrote it, sang it or has had nothing to do with it at all! In all sincerity, I get a rush up my back after at least 50 odd listens over the last few days.

(I know that nobody is actually arguing with me right now, as I write this, but don't worry.)

And you needn't bother giving me that "played on real live instruments" and "not written his own lyrics" bullshit. Do you know how long it takes to make, and learn to play a guitar? You don't find them growing through the concrete like roses on street corners. People don't just pick up guitars and emote raw diamonds of musical brilliance in 3 and a half minutes. They play the same line over and over, asking opinions, ripping off old riffs and practising. So how is that more real than anything Darius or those lumped in with him could create? I like to enjoy the S-O-N-G, the blend of words, emotions and music. I don't care if everything is done by a guy in Sweden and sold to smart managers for pretty boys to sing on. If it's good, I like it. You don't need to coat it in skinny jeans and leathers, cheers all the same. Look at some of you. You fawn over blue eyed, skinny rock stars throwing clichéd poses. Pretending to be something you are not is merely manufacturing yourself. Touche?

I'm off to calm down now.

DiScuss: Any medication tips for writers? Did he have a point?

Rating:
Author: Scott McKeating

DARIUS

Incredible

I'll tell you what is incredible, the transformation of this young man. He never should have bothered with Britney songs when his own are this good.

I was so busy listening to his guitar strumming in the car this morning, that my mind wandered off to spring days in the garden, and I ran a red light!

Darius, you'll have to pay the fine.

Mabel's chart tip: No 8.

Darius

Incredible (What I Meant To Say) ****

A BIT like the man himself, Incredible takes a little bit of getting used to. Something of a grower, it is one of those tunes which doesn't instantly bite you on the bum, but once it's got its teeth into you, there's no way you'll forget it easily. Incredible is the latest in a line of fine material which showcases Darius' skills as a songwriter and performer.

Produced by LA-based trio The Matrix, there is a definite American flavour to the track which would suggest that the boy wonder has set his sights on the international picture. And if anyone can realise their dreams, it's Darius.

Darius - Incredible

As time goes by it's getting harder to remember Darius as that pony-tailed singer who massacred Britney Spears Baby One More Time on Popstars. Now he's on the 3rd single from his platinum selling album Dive In and he becomes more of a polished pop star with every release. Each single also proves Darius' musical talent as well as his celebrity status. Incredible is another heartfelt, radio friendly love song drenched in strings and guitars that the pop idol wrote with LA-based songwriters Tha Matrix. With that unmistakable voice completing the magic formula, this is another sure fire hit for the Glasgow-born star.

DARIUS - 'INCREDIBLE'

Usually, Darius' tastes in women are simple. He likes his ladies without makeup and just "a little bit of lip salve," but here the rangy pop crooner seems confused about his current 'squeeze'. On this spiky love song Darius details his mixed emotions about a girlfriend after a breakup. "You irritate me. You're amazing. I didn't mean it." Etc. (Perhaps she wasn't wearing the right brand of lip salve). Like 'Rushes' and 'Colourblind' this is a pleasant enough, acoustic singalong with a rocky twist, courtesy of Darius's new best mate, legendary producer Muff (Bryan Adams, Travis) Winwood. And it should go some way to helping Mr. D achieve his ambition of a "platinum album before I'm 35." And after that embarrassing 'Britney' moment on Popstars, that really is incredible..

Darius - Incredible (What I Meant To Say)

The third single from Darius' Top 10 album "Dive In" is an excellent pop tune, although not quite as strong as previous singles "Colourblind" and "Rushes". Great melodies and strong vocals should ensure that this becomes a big hit, possibly breaking into the Top 5. Darius has come a long way since Popstars and Pop Idol and he's produced great tunes along the way too, which is certainly more than can be said for Gareth Gates or Will Young. 4 out of 5 (Phil Ruck)

I have to admit, I'm not a huge Darius fan - his songs usually bring me out in a nervous rash and make my blood boil - so it was somewhat surprising that "Incredible" is, well, quite nice. Another acoustic ditty that chirps along with his usual mix of lovelorn lyrics and distinctive voice, it's hard not to warm to the simple charm of the song. It's not quite incredible, but it is pretty damn amazing. 4 out of 5 (Ryan King)

DARIUS

'Incredible (What I Meant To Say)'
(Mercury)

WHAT'S THE DEAL?

Thanks to a platinum debut album and a number one debut single, Popstars and Pop Idol are a distant memory for Darius Danesh. With the help of his guitar and a shed load of charm, he's established himself as a true pop star and, in May, is heading off on his first UK tour. This is the follow-up to last year's top five hit 'Rushes'.

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

Darius has quickly discovered that anthemic guitar pop numbers are perfect for his honeyed vocals, and 'Incredible' doesn't mess with the winning formula. Acoustic guitars, soaring choruses and romantic lyrics are all there in abundance, blended to create another brilliant single.

YOU'LL LIKE THIS IF YOU LIKE:

Westlife's 'World Of Our Own'

8/10

A pretty decent semi-acoustic song, and certainly catchy enough to whistle on a sunny drive about town

DARIUS Incredible

Those who have Darius as the acceptable face of reality pop are missing the point. Big wooh that he penned this drippy lilt - it still sounds like Aztec Camera with a cold. 2 out of 5

Darius
'INCREDIBLE'
Released on Mon 3 Mar 2003
Label : Mercury

Oh god, why is it so difficult to hate Darius? The leftovers from the reality pop feast should be an easy target for ridicule except for one tiny detail - he keeps releasing catchy singles.

Never far from his trusty guitar and wearing a permanently suggestive frown, Darius plays the game very well. Whether someone whispered well-guided advice in his ear or he made his own decisions (heaven forbid), distancing himself from the whole Pop Idol carnival before it turned sour was a clever move.

Setting himself up as youthful Ronan is proving equally fruitful considering the apparent need for 'real' pop. The truth is, Darius is about as cutting edge as the aforementioned Mr Keating but his sixth form lyrics and generically modified pop hooks make for a palatable, even enjoyable trashy pop pleasure. Now that's incredible.

Chris Heath

incredible could be the word to describe his transformation from the king of cheeseiness into a credible singer/songwriter. Another great pop track from the handsome star who's won the respect oif fans and industry chiefs. three stars.

DARIUS - INCREDIBLE

Doesn't exactly live up to its billing, but Darius' latest is reasonably effective all the same.

He picks up his acoustic guitar once more for a breezily upbeat pop song in a similar vein to last summer's Number One hit Colourblind.

"You are incredible, you are amazing," he sings in the chorus.

And no, all you cynics out there, it wasn't written in front of a mirror.

by Nigel Packer

With Hear'say disappearing into pop obscurity and the likes of Liberty X and Mr Darius Danesh getting stronger with each release, it would seem that the judges of reality music shows don't entirely have their fingers on the pulse of the musical nation. So it's especially fitting that Darius should return with one of his finest singles to date. Written by Darius himself and produced by LA based production trio The Matrix (Avril Lavigne), 'Incredible' is another irresistibly catchy slab ofrock-speckled pop from a man that seems to be getting better and more assured as time goes by. Both formats also include exclusive bonus tracks/mixes with CD one adding the video and CD two a free poster booklet.

Darius 'Incredible (What I Meant To Say)'

The third single to be taken from Darius's platinum-selling debut album 'Dive In', 'Incredible (What I Meant To Say)' was written in California by Darius and The Matrix, a three-strong team of producers and songwriters who recently worked closely with Avril Lavigne. Like 'Colourblind', it's a mid-tempo track with lots of guitar strumming, and it's all about saving face when someone dumps you. Should see the reality TV show veteran climbing back to the top of the charts.