Cerys Matthews - Never Said Goodbye

Safely back on the straight and narrow after some post-Catatonia struggles, valley girl Cerys Matthews returns with her second solo album, 'Never Said Goodbye'. Whilst first album 'Cockahoop' was well received by fans and critics alike, it never really set the Britpop world alight and this offering looks set to continue in a similar vain. First single Open Roads is an intelligent composition and sets the scene for an album of easy-going beats, pleasant guitar and Matthews' trademark domineering vocals. It's a shame that the best track here, Streets of New York, is also the opener, as the remaining songs seem a bit deflated by comparison. Overall, 'Never Said Goodbye' makes for an interesting if at times pedestrian album. But that's still some voice. [Jon Seller]