Darius- Live Twice

Darius Danesh returns with his second album, entitled Live Twice.

Now, Darius gets a lot of stick. Mainly, I think, because he's the loser from the original Popstars. You will remember "Baby One More Time".

Cast aside for one second any judgement you may have of Darius. Are you there? Shussssssh. It’s all quiet. Nothing.

Ok, we can continue. Now you don't have any pre-conceptions of him, take a listen to Live Twice. It’s not actually that bad. In fact, while I wouldn’t say it’s a great album, it’s a decent listen.

There are some not so good songs mind, like the single Kinda Love, which I think is a bit rubbish. The title track though "Live Twice" is great though. Full of emotion and written for his father in his battle with Cancer. Quote: Darius said: "I played Live Twice to him in the hospital. He turned to me and said 'Darius this song needs to be heard. Don't put your life on hold for me. Keep going forward'."

"Better Man" is a sultry smooth song, introduced by Bond-style strings.

The album is mostly slow pop-rock ballads, with lyrics surprisingly not just words strung together instead with meaning. Unfortunately, it’s not always sung emotionally by Darius, but that does not detract.

Occasionally though, he breaks out in something different. "How Do You Like It?" is a rocky out and out pop song, crispy guitars and a strong beat.

"Love To Love" is again another funky rocker, featuring growling verses, and a chorus that I can't quite pinpoint but sounds familiar. Good though.

"Journey's End" is a piano and strings ballad (love em) again evidently written for his father. This time, like with Live Twice, you can grasp the emotion in his voice. Quite a sad song really.

Then comes "Devil In You" which is oddly out of place. An old rat pack swing track, which although ill fitting, it is different.

In conclusion, a decent second album. Not a must buy unless you are a fan admitted, but a very reasonable album nonetheless.

26 March 2005

Twice lucky?

Britain's hottest solo artiste Darius has come up with a fresh album `Live Twice.'

HE IS probably the youngest pop icon of the United Kingdom (U.K). After hitting the jackpot with his debut album `Colourblind' in 2003, the spike-haired Darius has been a hot favourite on radio and television request shows.

Named after the famous Persian king, Darius grew up listening to the Beatles, George Michael and Alanis Morisette.

He is a `Popstars' discovery (the original U.K. version of the Channel V `Popstars' talent hunt). Darius was a child prodigy as he was one of the youngest members in school and college choirs, besides learning to play the saxophone and the piano in his pre-school. In his own words: "With `Popstars,' I fulfilled my dream of being noticed as a singer."

His debut album, featuring the title single as well as Rushes... , raced up the charts in a record time.

With its racy orchestration and energetic vocals, the track became a popular dance-floor rage. Besides his trademark hairstyle, Darius' vocals have a unique energy and punch blended with smoothness.

Though his latest album, `Live Twice,' has been a relatively slow climber on the music charts, his already established fan base is excited about the album.

The album

`Live Twice' sees a departure from the bubbly energy of the artiste to a mature, rhythm-based music. More orchestration and less emphasis on vocals ensure that the music compliments the mood of the songs.

The album, which was recorded in Miami, reflects a more mature sound from the youngster who deviates from the conventional themes of love to the other facets of the emotion, which appeal more to the Gen-X. His songs would make perfect sense to people whose vocabulary is defined by text messages and short keys.

In other words, Darius' mantra for success seems to be a deliberate effort to cater to the young and (musically) restless.

The album has been released in India and we have to wait and see if Darius recreates his `Colourblind' magic.

A. VISHNU

Darius - Live Twice

3 stars

Universal - 2004 - 52 minutes

From reality television to independence, there was always a 'never say die' attitude evident in the efforts of Darius. 'Just as well,' many might say.

His initial image and lyrical choice were far from what the music industry was in need of. But the rejuvenated, rough-around-the-edges Darius comes out on top with his second album 'Live Twice'.

Proof that image means more to the music than we would like to think, he is the ultimate advertisement for industry polishing and refining.

But when it comes down to the bare-naked music, there is something very pure about the songwriting of Darius Danesh that makes you feel like his music is genuine and that his lyrics are his own, most notably in the powerful title track. He is the kind of artist that seems to produce a deeply personal statement, that also has the ability to reach out to others.

Darius also boasts an amazing ability to alter the intonation of his voice to wonderful effect throughout the album, from soft ballads like 'Journey's End' to the more uptempo tracks like 'Kinda Love', and even a little swing in 'Devil In You'.

'Live Twice' is, on the whole, a collection of funky pop tracks from an artist whose career, by the law of averages, should have ended a long time ago.

While it's not spectacular, 'Live Twice' is a lot more than average.

Linda McGee

A Canadian Listens to Darius' "Live Twice"

by James Shepherd

Because I run an Internet radio station that plays music of various Idol winners and contestants from around the world, I am perhaps one of the more fortunate Canadians that has had an opportunity to listen to Darius' second album, "Live Twice." I usually review only those albums that I am quite impressed with from the Idol circuit, and Darius' "Live Twice" is no exception. It is perhaps one of the better Idol CDs I have heard, and the primary reason why I find this album so impressive is that Darius tried to go beyond himself in this one.

"Live Twice" is a collection of mainly original compositions by Darius wherein he experiments with various sounds and he succeeds in most cases. Yet, at the same time, Darius maintains enough compositions in this new album that are a continuation of his musical development from his debut album, "Dive In." The end result, in my opinion, is an absolutely magnificent collection of musical listening pleasure. If you liked Darius "Dive In," you will like "Live Twice," and if you did not like "Dive In," there is a very good chance that you will find something in "Live Twice" that will tickle your fancy - unless, of course, you like only R&B or Rap/Hip-Hop because there is not a hint of these genres anywhere in this CD.

Kinda Love - is the first single release from the album. I understand that it has had relative success on the UK charts. This number contains a hint of the sound from the old "White Album" of The Beatles from the late 1960s - this sound is contained in the chorus. It's a bouncy and in your face kind of tune that simply grabs your attention and it just won't let go until it's finished. It's pure pop, and more specifically, it's 100% what I would call a "bubble-gum" song. I don't intend this as a slight because to me, there is good and bad bubble-gum. Good bubble-gum music is bouncy, danceable and thoroughly enjoyable. I shan't describe bad bubble-gum music because this is stuff that annoys you beyond belief. No, Kinda Love, is just one of those great bubble-gum songs that is missing from the pop side of music these days, but like all bubble-gum, it can lose its flavour fast. If this song was released in North America, it would probably be a really big hit - hint, hint to Darius and his management.

Live Twice - this is the title song of the album and it may very well be the best song on the entire album. It is most certainly the best ballad I have heard in a long time. In time, I can see it becoming a recurrent classic on many radio stations. The lyrics are as beautiful as the melody, and the melody is as beautiful as the cover picture of this CD - yes, as I have distributed this CD to some of my fellow Canadians for a listen, the response from the women, after first seeing Darius' picture on the CD, sometimes they say the following, "Oooooo, and he sings too?"

How Do You Like It - As are most of the songs on this album, this is a Darius original. It is just a pure mid-temp pop tune that makes you feel happy and forces your feet to move into some sort of happy dance when you listen to it. We need to hear more songs like this.

Better Man - This composition has a city-bluesy-jazzy feeling to it. It's the kind of song that you want to listen to after a hard week of work - you are sitting down to a tall rye and ginger ale late on a Friday afternoon looking at the pink sky of a gorgeous sunset over the city skyline - and this is the image created in my mind as I listen to it - just easy, peaceful listening.

Resolution - There is a very different direction that Darius goes into with this song. Perhaps the best description of it is Alternative as a genre. He goes into the deep range of his voice for a good part of the song. It's just very different for him, and this original attempt at experimenting with a new kind of sound works really well. It's hard to tell that it's even Darius singing during many portions of the song. His voice is quite incredible - he can do so much with it.

Stars Crash Down - Pure pop genre is this tune as Darius remains true to his previous album, "Dive In." Although I like the song, simply because I grown attached to this artist, newcomers might not be too impressed.

Save Me - I believe this is the only song on the album that Darius did not write. It too is pure mid-tempo pop. The lyrics are a bit trite, but I rarely like a song because of its lyrics. It's still a good listen.

If I Could - This is probably the most syrupy sweet ballad on the album and I absolutely love it. Listening to it would probably make a rapper vomit, but for me, who is an ever lastingly romantic, it is one of the major high-lights of the CD. Maybe it's the superb violin background throughout that does it for me - I don't really know - but the chorus is where the full beauty explodes.

Only You - This is another pure pop mid-tempo song. It would never make it as a single, but for me, it's far more than just a filler on the album. It's a great listen.

Love to Love - This is where Darius goes off into a down-beat rock style genre that I really don't like at all. He wrote this song and it's hard for me to believe that he did. But whatever, it is there on the album and if it's ever released as a single, and a rocker buys "Live Twice" because of it, they would break the CD after hearing the rest of the album. Love to Love really does stand out in this album, but even with Darius singing it, it has not converted me to down-beat rocker music. This is one cut on the album I am happy to skip.

Journey's End - This is another Darius ballad that is just much too beautiful to be believed. How he composes these songs is beyond me - he is simply extraordinary.

Devil In You - Now this song is a tremendous departure for Darius. Was his inspiration another Brit named Jamie Cullum who has been slated as the "male Nora Jones?" Whatever was the inspiration, Darius has composed a jazzy-crooner number that is quite enjoyable.

Secret Song - I wonder how many other reviewers took the time to go to the end of the album to find this song. It's not even listed on the album cover and unless one listens to Devil In You until the end, you will not discover it. It's another very beautiful ballad, and one that is obviously directed at Darius' fan base and the unwary reviewer will not find.

Overall, I believe that "Live Twice" has established Darius as a true contender in the pop music market. What would make my day is discovering that there is going to be a concerted effort to market his music in North America. If not, that's ok too. I can simply enjoy his music and tell others about it at my discretion. However, if Darius wants a fresh start for his music in a market that will most definitely love his material, then he knows where to come.

One more time

Live Twice, Darius, Mercury

Remember when Darius was that Pop Idol weirdo with the scraggly ponytail and dodgy goatee? What a difference a couple of years make.

With a couple of hit singles and a platinum-selling debut album, Dive In, under his belt, Darius Danesh has reinvented himself as a bona fide pop star - and a rather dashing one to boot, if his regular gossip column appearances are to be believed.

But, suffering a bout of writer's block, he recently looked to be going the way of Gareth Gates and Fame Academy winner David Sneddon, ie nowhere fast. Fortunately, Darius has got himself together and delivered a high-quality second album, Live Twice. An interesting title - perhaps summing up his hopes as he goes for a second bite of the fame cherry?

Inspired by his father and his experiences of showbiz, the 24-year-old Scot's new album features a collection of catchy pop-infused guitar tracks and heart rending ballads. Songs including Better Man, If I Could and the title track are moving ballads, while Kinda Love, Resolution and Only You are more uptempo tracks in the vein of Colorblind, the song which put Darius firmly on pop's radar way back then.

7/10

DARIUS - THINK TWICE (MERCURY)

Hands up who would have thought that Darius would still have a contract to record his second album? - certainly not me! But he’s back again with Live Twice, looking chiselled and a million miles from a pony-tailed, Britney Spear’s singing wannabe. Darius co-wrote all but one of the 12 songs on this album, and it was produced by Grammy nominated producer Steve Lipson.

Kinda Love is an upbeat guitar track, which is a good way to open the album. However, it has a strange line for a love song, “she wants me, like a cup of coffee” and the “ba, ba, ba” singing after the chorus sounds like elves on helium. Despite this, it was the first single to be released, and it went into the charts at number 8. Darius takes a different approach with the next song, Live Twice, as it’s a real sensitive power ballad. There are a few ballads on the album, but this is the only one that stands out and actually does work, unlike Journey's End, which sees Darius trying to sing like a schoolboy soprano.

How Do You Like It is a really catchy song. It’s the type of song that sticks in your head and you will find yourself humming later that day. Darius really should have steered cleared of jumping on the Sinatra/Ratpack bandwagon with Devil In You. It’s really makes you cringe as you listen to him croon his way through the song Elsewhere, the tracks are inoffensive enough, but they don't really standout from one another and blend into a continuous song. Darius has taken more than his fair share of knocks, but to his credit, he keeps plugging away, so I won’t be surprised if the big Scot continues to rise up the ranks.

Darius - Live Twice

by The Musicman on Friday 05 November 2004

Darius Danesh returns with his second album, entitled Live Twice.

Now, Darius gets a lot of stick. Mainly, I think, becuase he's the loser from the original Popstars. You will remember "Baby One More Time".

Cast aside for one second any judgement you may have of Darius. Are you there? Shussssssh. Its all quiet. Nothing.

Ok, we can continue. Now you don't have any pre-conceptions of him, take a listen to Live Twice. Its not actually that bad. In fact, while I wouldnt say its a great album, its a decent listen.

There are some not so good songs mind, like the single Kinda Love, which I think is a bit rubbish. The title track though "Live Twice" is great though. Full of emotion and written for his father in his battle with Cancer. Quote: Darius said: "I played Live Twice to him in the hospital. He turned to me and said 'Darius this song needs to be heard. Don't put your life on hold for me. Keep going forward'."

"Better Man" is a sultry smooth song, introduced by Bond-style strings.

The album is mostly slow pop-rock ballads, with lyrics surprisingly not just words strung together instead with meaning. Unfortunatly, its not always sung emotionally by Darius, but that does not detract.

Occasionally though, he breaks out in something different. "How Do You Like It?" is a rocky out and out pop song, crispy guitars and a strong beat.

"Love To Love" is again another funky rocker, featuring growling verses, and a chorus that I can't quite pinpoint but sounds familar. Good though.

"Journey's End" is a piano and strings ballad (love em) again evidently written for his father. This time, like with Live Twice, you can grasp the emotion in his voice. Quite a sad song really.

Then comes "Devil In You" which is oddly out of place. An old rat pack swing track, which although ill fitting, it is different.

In conclusion, a decent second album. Not a must buy unless you are a fan admited, but a very reasonable album nonetheless.

Darius - Live Twice

by songster on Monday 01 November 2004

This is a departure from the more poppy debut album, Dive In. It explores Darius's vocal range and tests his songwriting in varying styles.

The First Track is somewhat deceiving, leading you to think the album is full of jaunty pop songs, Kinda Love takes you back to the sounds of the beatles,and all the fully rounded songs of yesteryear.bah bah bahs,chunky piano keys and clever lyrics, creat a feel good sumery feel.

Live Twice is the opposite, a song written for his ill father, it is a heartfelt ballad, telling of how he feels about facing tragedy and losing a loved one.

How do you like it, lifts your spirits with its excentric beat, one for the ladeees, where Darius asks how he can please, this is in the vein of the best pop tunes, with a rocky edge and fun lyrics that actualy convey meaning.

Better man, Darius slips into Bond mode, the intro is smooth and seductive, and the song has a George Michael feel, well placed pauses, echoes and building orchestral music make this feel a rcih indulgent song, and again the lyrics are moving.

Resolution sees Darius exploring the lower reaches of his vocals, very rock edged it takes you by suprise but the strength of the music and the lyrics makes for a moving song.

Stars Crash Down, once again back into pop style a light fresh pop song, lifting the mood again, with romantic lyrics about not wanting the night to end, bounces along and you soon are joining in.

Save Me, the only track not written by Darius, this soul searching plea to save him is on the power rock ballad side, towards the end you can almost imagine Bryan Adams singing it, as it builds into a climax.

If I could, almost a classical feel to this one, violins and clear crisp lyrics, a foray into musicals almost, again the lyrics are well crafted.

Only You, again a rock power ballad, the vocals sounding lower and huskier than the Darius of old, showing he can song rock with the best of them.

Love To Love, a delightful suprise of upbeat electric guitar and special effects, the vocals a cross between Tom Jones, Elvis and the Scissor sisters, going from low during the verses to high in the chorus, played loud this is a real rocker. Perfect single material.

Journeys End, the mood changes with this heartfelt tearjerker, obviously for his father, it tells of the importance to him of someone, who he looks up to nad needs to express those thoughts before it is too late. Try not to feel moved, if you can.

Devil In You, a suprise Swing song, throwback to yesteryear, written for his father again, this song has you seeing the diversity of Darius' voice as he croons with ease, with a slightly tongue in cheek feel with whistling and a cheeky laugh at the end.

Secret Song, some three minutes after the last track you hear Darius' voice alone accompanied by the guitar, a ballad pure and simple, it almost pleads with you to take him as he is, and invites you into his secret thoughts.

Darius - Live Twice

Darius became known as the ponytailed crooner who appeared on Popstars and did things to Britney songs that would make the pikey pop princess drop her Twinkie in shock. However, shorn of his long locks, his cheesiness - like Samson's strength - miraculously disappeared, and he has since managed to put out a couple of credible singles. He's returned to the fickle pop fray with an album that veers between upbeat American retro-influenced singles (the jaunty number Kinda Love) and sensitive power balladeering (songs such as Live Twice). He panders to the increasing popularity of Sinatra-esque crooning on the utterly bland track Devil In You, which is best avoided, despite his best Harry Connick Jr impression, but the rest is inoffensive enough. This album is the musical equivalent of a quite nice, relatively filling sandwich - give it a go if you're a bit peckish, but not looking for anything too spicy.

Released : 25th October 2004

Label: Mercury

Everything started when Darius sang on Popstars and made a fool of himself on national television. Three years on and three top10 singles later, including the no.1 hit "Colourblind", he is back with his second album, "Live Twice"! The set is full of infectious self-penned pop/rock ditties, like the first single "Kinda Love", and proves he is as good a writer as a singer

Sing hosannas, the fool is back. Darius Danesh has survived, on more than one occasion, the sort of national humiliation that would destroy an average man, so in many respects we should be applauding his chutzpah for returning for a second album.

Unfortunately for Danesh any residual goodwill is soon extinguished as it becomes painfully apparent that Live Twice is a return to his embarrassing Popstars roots.

Album opener Kinda Love is a strange mix of The Beatles' Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da and something the Munchkins might've sang in The Wizard Of Oz and boasts the hilariously unromantic line, "She wants me like a cup of coffee." He then dares his poor audience to answer him back with a grunting soft rock tune called How Do You Like It? (Not much). Best of all, though, is Devil In You which sees Darius visit George Formby territory with a diluted Sinatra twist.

Darius

NEW SINGLE – ‘KINDA LOVE’ – 18/10/04

NEW ALBUM – ‘ LIVE TWICE’ – 25/10/04

Mercury records are poised to release the second album by one of Scotland’s finest exports, the mighty Darius.

The 24 year old is set to release ‘Live Twice’ on October 25th , this is the follow up to his platinum selling debut ‘Dive In’ which was released in November 2002. The album spawned four hit singles including a number one, ‘Colourblind’. Last summer he embarked on his first ever UK tour which saw him play to sell out audiences the length and breadth of the country. He was also happy to discover that 70% of his audience was made up of very enthusiastic females fans!

Darius also found time to pen a book ‘Darius: Sink Or Swim’ which spills the beans on how he got a foot in the door of the music industry and what really went on behind the scenes on TV.

Darius flew to LA with Grammy nominated producer Steve Lipson to work on the new album. ‘Live Twice’ is an impressive album packed full of catchy pop infused guitar tracks and heart rendering ballads, something for everyone. The first single from the album is the upbeat ‘Kinda Love’. The video for which was shot recently in Spain and features a very sexy looking Natasha Henstridge (of Species fame) as the love interest.

Darius - Live Twice

Somehow Darius has managed to continue his career onto a second album. Not bad for someone who came third in Pop Idol.

With a Top 10 hit in Kinda Love under his belt it seems a continuing career may yet be on the cards.

The album entitled, Live Twice, is nothing groundbreaking musically. Other similar artists such as Ronan, George Michael, etc. are much better at this Radio 2 orientated pop with a mix of up-tempo tracks like the single and then switching to ballads like the title track, which is one of the stronger tracks on here and I'm sure will be a future single.

Elsewhere the tracks don't really standout from one another and blend into a continuous track. The only variety is when Darius goes for a lounge style track which Robbie has already been there and got the T-Shirt.

Darius has co-wrote all bar one track, and is not short of talent in this area, but perhaps he should do a Gary Barlow and concentrate on writing for others.

Out Now

Great Scot! Darus Live Twice Who?

With one succesful album already under his belt, pop Idol Hunk Darius is back with a new set of tracksthat he has dedicated to his terminally ill father. HOW,S IT SOUND? How great is his current single KINDA LOVE? With its jaunty rhythms and offbeat melody,it's by far one of the best singles of the year.Sadly,nothing else on the album is as much fun,but by golly,there are some corkers.Highlights include the sensational Better Man,which is lovely,you'll be reaching for a box of hankies before the end of the first chorus.Elsewhere there's the usaul acoustic pop fluff Darius fans will adore. VERDICT: A mixed bag of dandy Danesh delights! SKIP TO: Better man.

manchester music

album reviews comments

Wednesday, 27th October 2004

Darius - Live Twice (Mercury)

STARING back from the cover of his second, co-written album, Darius is far from the pony tailed 'feel-the-love-in-the-room' cheesemeister he once was. Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell who he actually is.

New single, 'Kinda Love', has an upbeat signature sound but further tracks sound like Robbie Williams, The Crash Test Dummies, U2 and George Michael circa Listen Without Prejudice.

'Better Man' has a winning melody but ultimately it's still a poor man's George, employing the clichéd sentiments evident from the title. Aside from this track, it's a pleasant enough but utterly unmemorable album.

With no defining voice, Darius lacks the X factor for real iconic status.

* *

Released October 25.

THE RAZZ: SINGLES AND ALBUMS: DARIUS: LIVE TWICE #####

With John Dingwall

A CLEVER boy is our Darius. Who else could have surviving the embarrassment of his initial goatee-bearded attempt at stardom on the reality TV show Popstars and the mediocrity of coming third on the subsequent Pop Idol series?

While numerous winners of such shows slip back into obscurity almost as fast as you can reach for the remote control, Darius is back on the scene, looking to build on the success of the debut album Dive In.

Once again, Darius has managed to lift himself away from the 'cheesy pop star' image which TV producers successfully embedded into the nation's psyche thanks to his 'feel the love in this room' soundbites.

At times Live Twice is reminiscent of the intelligent songwriting that shot George Michael to superstardom as a solo artist, circa Careless Whisper. The single Kinda Love opens proceedings followed by Live Twice, written for his cancer stricken dad. The Beatlesesque Better Man also deserves a mention.

Review: Jack Foley

IT PROBABLY won't come as much of a surprise to readers to find that I'm not a big fan of Darius.

The former Pop Idol is merely the latest in a long line of manufactured artists who follow a pretty bog-standard songwriting process - ie, plenty of 'catchy' pop beats and an equal number of brooding ballads.

To be fair, Darius probably boasts a stronger voice than most, and writes much of his own material, but his songwriting is a million miles away from the quality of bands such as Coldplay, Keane, Thirteen Senses and all those other bands who so frequently miss out on the top chart positions.

Let's face it, Darius represents the musical equivalent of a chick flick - and one that your mother might like to boot.

Live Twice lacks adventure and, to a lesser degree, originality, and could easily be sung by a Ronan Keating or Mark Owen.

Whereas Coldplay and co can appeal to men and women, alike, Darius seems content to pander to the female masses, relying on his looks to amass a lot of the interest.

On the plus side, it's nowhere near as sugar-coated or wretched as a Will Young or Gareth Gates record, but that's not saying much.

On tracks such as Better Man, Darius seems to be going for a George Michael vocal style, and hints at better things, while the verses of Resolution sound curiously like the deep, throaty vocals of the Crash Test Dummies' lead singer.

Both represent the album at its most tolerable, but they are quickly overtaken by the hopelessly bland likes of Stars Crash Down, with lyrics like 'my heart's like dynamite, ready to blow', and former single, Kinda Love, and it's annoyingly clunky melodies.

The ballads, Live Twice and Save Me, fare little better, and pale by comparisons to the inspired likes of Keane's Bedshaped, or Chris Martin's Warning Sign, which are setting the benchmarks for this sort of thing.

I only use such comparisons to point out why I'm critical of artists such as Darius.

For contrary to some suggestions, I don't just dislike them for the sake of it. There's just nothing that inspires me in any of their songwriting.

Darius, more commonly known as that man who sang a terrible over-embellished version of Britney Spears' Baby One More Time on Pop Idol, has unbelievably survived in the industry long enough to release his second album. Those who despise reality TV shows (a good 65 per cent of the population) would immediately dismiss any of the Scot's musical attempts. But on listening to this album, it's perhaps a little unfair to judge him based upon just how he became famous.

Saying that, no matter how he got to where is today, you can summarise the album in one word: cheesy. Unbelievably so. Every trick in the book of how to sell pop records has been used. There's the cliched lines: “Just one more day with you, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do” (Live Twice), and the toe-curlingly Westlife song strategy where the momentum reaches a high in the chorus after a sedate verse. Everything about this record is formulaic.

The opener Kinda Love is Darius’ latest single. It's upbeat and has every potential to sell bucket-loads, although it would leave most of us asking why. This doesn’t necessarily mean it's bad, it's just a song destined to the please the masses of Pop Idol fans.

The traditional up tempo number, ballad, up tempo, ballad format is evident throughout this CD but to his credit Darius manages to shoehorn the record out of the traditional pop shmuck rut by adding his own inimitable vocal and music styling.

However, this also leads the album to sound unintentionally eclectic. The clean stream-lined pop record ends up spitting out various genres. For example, Live Twice verges on Enrique Iglesias plagiarism whereas Love To Love moves towards recent indie times, a tamer version of Doves or Coldplay.

One brief respite from the criticism would be to commend Darius for at leasting add some personal lyrics to the conveyor belt pop music splurging out from the speakers here. In fact, we're even privy to a slightly darker side to this wanna be pop hero when he sings in Better Man: “I know that I’m not perfect, and sometimes I’m not worth it”.

So, fans of Pop Idol and anything remotely related to the whole identikit pop star industry will undoubtedly rush out to buy this album. The songs are catchy, Darius has a distinctive voice and admittedly the music is a clear development for the better compared to his previous releases. But ultimately this album is just bland and average. On the plus side though, let's all thank heavens that there isn't a Britney Spears cover on here...

- Uma Uthayashanker

Darius - Live Twice

The Pop Man always rings twice…at least! Darius Danesh, the tall hunk of Scotsman he is (just keep him out of a kilt until we get grief counselling from last time), is back on the scene with “Live Twice.” In an unexpected twist of depth and craftsmanship, Darius explores his role as singer/songwriter on the record, especially after learning his father was diagnosed with cancer. The album is a musical bedrock, going from the radio-ready “Kinda Love,” a snappy tune about love in bloom to “Devil in You,” a tribute to lounge-style Sinatra tracks. Darius also plays with vocal style, never letting you get too comfortable in one key. All in all, not a bed second effort from the man we never really thought would have a first. ‘Live’ has legs 3 STARS

Pop idyll

Will Dazza fulfil his multi-platinum dream?

In a nutshell:
The second long-player from Darius Danesh-the comedy one from Popstars/Pop Idol everyone wrote off as a naff loser. Danesh's impressive debut album Dive In went platinum, but the second album is always an indication of long-term career prospects. And this tells us a whole lot about the permatanned Scottish love-god.

What's it Like?
Will the real Darius please stand up?

The former king of cheese embraces so many different musical styles on this album, it's hard to keep track. And yet somehow it works. Darius does soft rock and ends up sounding a bit like The Calling on Only You and Love to Love, while in Devil in You he tries his hand at jazz, and pulls it off brilliantly. If I Could wouldn't sound out of place in a West End musical, and there's even a bit of Beatles influence on his current single Kinda Love, which is far from the best track on the album. The brilliant slowies Better Man and Journey's End also deserve a mention - simply for being absolutely great.

How Many Good Tracks?
Nine, out of 12

Best Track:
Live Twice. With the right remix, this moving, beautifully sung ballad could be a massive Christmas hit. Think bells, Darius, think bells.

Worst Track:
Stars Crash Down. If this song was a dress, it would be brown, knee-length and made of corduroy. Bland, bland, bland.

Verdict:
Darius has co-written 11 of the 12 tracks on this album, and although there are a few boring middle-of-the-road numbers, there's no denying that the boy done good. Darius claimed on Popstars that he would have a double platinum-selling album by the time he was 30, and this could well be the one that enables him to achieve his dream. ****

DARIUS - 'LIVE TWICE'

Let's get this straight. Cutting your hair and getting rid of your ponytail doesn't CHANGE you as a person. Darius is still the same cheesy wannabe celeb we knew and cringed at from behind the sofa in Popstars. The lad is supposed to be better than his Pop Idol co-contestants because he writes his own songs. Does it matter, really? There's a whole army of co-writers on 'Live Twice' and when Girls Aloud come up with another cracking tune tomorrow will it matter that they haven't written it?

Anyway, despite the intensely personal nature of 'Live Twice' - the title track concerns Darius' father who is sadly suffering from cancer - There is nothing on this second album to suggest that he's going to be the multi-platnium selling artist he predicted to the Popstars judges.

Understandably, the title track is a sentimental, acoustic ballad while 'Better Man' treads the same ground as the Robbie tune of the same name. 'Devil In You' is a jazzy, lounge, Ratpack style swing number, again a dedication to his jazz-lovin' dad. But elsewhere Darius sings aimlessly about love on a collection of midtempo ballads with a fixation on lyrics that examine HIS effect on women and how they a react to HIM. Perhaps the album should have been called 'But That's Enough About Me. What Do YOU Think About Me?' How much love is in this room right now? For this album, not much. Andy Panos

Darius

Jools Long

Live Twice

Released: 25/10/2004

No matter how much he babbles on about being a brand new Darius, a couple of notes into this and the image of him slaughtering Britney with hand movements comes hurtling into view.

And then, unfortunately, there's not a lot of love in this room for the Pop Idol reject.

Shame really, because this bag of tricks sees Mr Danesh crossing boundaries not usually ventured beyond by pop-hugging types.

Doing his very bestest Counting Crows impression (and it is scarily similar), he handles road movie soft rock like an old pro and borrows intelligently from the past on tracks like single Kinda Love, which hand jives down the 1960s Beatles route.

Heartfelt and earnest as always – but it's still that chap who thought it might be cool to 'do his own thing' with Hit Me Baby One More Time.

THREE STARS

Darius Live Twice (four star rating)

What you need to know...
After a two year break, dashing Pop Idol escapee Darius Danesh delivers his second album.

First Impressions...
Any Darius fans expecting an album packed with tracks like the funky and upbeat single Kinda Love might be a tad surprised. Live Twice, the follow-up to his 2002 album Dive In, is actually a solid collection of fairly mainstream pop songs. While he does try out an appealing electro-funk sound on a number of tracks (How Do You Like It?, Love To Love), others will be familiar to those with, say, a large collection of Ronan Keating CDs. Still, this is definitely a step forward and there are loads of fine moments, most notably when Darius dares to experiment, as on the deeply sung Resolution and the jazzy, cabaret-style Devil In You.

Listen to while you're...
Having a night in with the girls.

Our favourite track...
Resolution, a powerful ballad which gives Darius a chance to show off his fab voice.

Did you know?...
Darius wrote the album's title track and the swing song Devil In You for his father Booth who has terminal cancer. The whole album is dedicated to him.

New verdict...
We missed him - but the lovely Darius is back and better than ever.

DARIUS LIVE TWICE

Just when you thought the smouldering scot had faded into obscurity, here he is again with a second album.

This is another polished collection finely balanced between rousing pop ditties and more reflective numbers. Mr Danesh even ventures into soft rock and some growling vocals on Resolution, while heartfelt slush is the mood created on the orchestral If I Could. The raunchy Love to Love is a stand out and it all ends with the jazz Devil in You.

All in all he's a popstar who deserves this econd chance. MICHAEL OSBORN

Darius: Live Twice (Mercury)

***

The unstoppably ambitious Darius Danesh returns yet again with more of his breezy pop. Like an embarrassing acquaintance you actually kind of muss when theyre not around, Darius is one of those performers who always manages to inject some colour to the dull world of British pop - despite being a bit of a loveable fool. This new record is really quite good, with a fine mix of sophisticated pop and smart balladry. He may never be as likeable as Robbie Williams but his songs are already miles better.

Darius, the 24 year old pop sensation, is back with a brand-new album entitled ‘Live Twice’. Produced by Grammy nominated producer Steve Lipson, ‘Live Twice’ is an impressive collection of catchy pop infused guitar tracks and heart rendering ballads that will touch anyone who hears them. Darius is proving to be one of the UK’s outstanding talents with his unique ability to craft effortlessly sublime pop moments at any given opportunity. A remarkable sophomore effort.

What we Think

The second album from Pop Idol Darius has been a while coming but well worth the wait. From the first time Darius came onto the music scene with the infamous Britney Spears cover on Pop Idol, a thorough makeover ensued, gone were the beard and ponytail and in came dashing good looks and self penned songs. With this second album you can expect more of the same, well-crafted songs, lyrics written from the heart, all sung with a deep but soulful voice. So from pop idol reject to being one of Scotland’s finest singer/songwriters Darius continues to show just who should have won Pop Idol. RECOMMENDED

THE RAZZ: You're a Devil Darius

He gets jazzy on new album Exclusive

By John Dingwall Daily Record 17 September 2004

Darius has given the Razz an exclusive preview of his new album Live Twice ... and we can reveal he's turned to jazz.

The Scots hunk plans to make his pop comeback with the long player which is released on October 25, the follow-up to his debut album, Dive In, in 2002.

He is also releasing a single called Live Twice , a huge ballad which is out on October 18 and which is almost certain to propel him back into the top 10.

But after a gap of over 18 months, Darius's big surprise is the jazz standard Devil In You.

But those who prefer Darius to sing ballads won't be disappointed because he has something for everyone on the album.

He wanted Scotland's top showbiz column to break the news of his return first and whisked an unmastered and roughly mixed CD to us straight from the studio.

The new batch of songs mark a dramatic musical departure for Darius, 24.

He sold one million copies of his debut album, which also spawned a number of hits, including the No.1 Colourblind.

But he has refused to rest on his laurels and his latest work shows he has matured both as a songwriter and as an artist.

Kinda Love proves he has distanced himself even further from Pop Idol, where he got his big break.

Influenced more by the Beach Boys than the Simon Cowell school of bland pop, Darius's first new song is a lively guitar-infused track.

Although the album has the predictable banker ballads, Kinda Love and Better Man, which sounds like it could have come from the Robbie Williams songbook without the arrogance, show Darius isn't afraid to rock.

Live Twice is Darius at his heartfelt best and is certain to win over his mainly female fan base.

Produced by Grammy nominated Steve Lipson in LA, it has a video starring Darius and Species actress Natasha Henstridge.

And on Resolution, Darius is clearly influenced by American country rock.

An insider said: 'Darius has shown he has what it takes to stay the course as a pop star.

'His Dive In album was one of the biggest sellers of the year and this album is also going to be huge.

'He once vowed to have three platinum albums by the time he was 35.

'He is on course to beat that target if this latest album is anything to go by.'

Darius will sing the songs live for the first time for his Scots fans when he tops the bill at Glasgow's Merchant City Festival on September 26, supported by David Sneddon's new band The Sham.