Right Said Fred - Fredhead (2001)

If you've never heard anything by Right Said Fred apart from their worldwide mega-hit "I'm Too Sexy," then you are missing out on one of the best dance-pop bands of this generation. To base your opinion of the band on that one song is like judging the Beatles' entire catalog by repeated listenings to a song like "Yellow Submarine." Sure, it's fun and catchy, but there is so much more to the band than that one piece of pop fluff. This, their fourth album and first as a duo, is a huge step forward for the Freds and their best album yet by far. Richard Fairbrass went from being their vocalist to being a real force to be reckoned with. His voice is rich and full of self-assured power, and he can wrap it around a ballad ("I Know What Love Is," "Feel Like a Woman") or a dancefloor filler ("Love Song," "Bring Your Smile"). The normally cold electronic dance beats are transformed into human heartbeats by Fred Fairbrass' joyous acoustic guitar strums. Tracks like "Mojive," "You're My Mate," and "Lovers.com" leap out of the speakers with a renewed sense of confidence. "The Sun Changes Everything" is power pop with a dance beat and Beach Boys-esque harmonies. Apart from these insanely catchy songs, there are even more singalong pop gems in "Lap Dance Junkie," "Jamaica Jerk," and the cheeky "Funk You." Although the first 13 tracks are the actual "album," there are three bonus tracks, including a remix of "Mojive" and new recordings of "I'm Too Sexy" and "Don't Talk Just Kiss." If the re-recordings of their two biggest hits were at the behest of their new label, the Freds actually rework the songs and make them better. "I'm Too Sexy" retains its original sense of humor but adds a "Funky Cold Medina" beat, creating a new take on an old classic. "Don't Talk Just Kiss" benefits from Richard's more confident voice and equals the original in every way. If you never thought you'd read the words "stunning," "brilliant," and Right Said Fred in the same sentence, you just did. If you love a good melody and bright, uplifting songs, then this is what you've been looking for. This will turn your night into day, your winter into summer, and your frown into a smile. It's the real deal.