No, you did read that correctly, English pop band Blue are back pushing for their first UK number one album in over 23 years. Since 2003’s ‘Guilty’, the four-piece have had many trials and tribulations leading to a significant comeback last year.
Formed in 2000 amidst the nation’s boy band fever, Blue consist of Lee Ryan, Simon Webbe, Duncan James and Antony Costa. With Ryan initially scouted by talent guru Simon Cowell, the 4 members then came together organically, releasing debut single ‘All Rise’ in 2001. The song landed number 4 on the UK Singles Chart, followed by ‘Too Close’ earning them their first number one hit. Debut album ‘All Rise’ entered the charts at number two in 2001, reaching first place after several months.
They carved a niche for themselves away from tamer acts like Westlife and Boyzone, performing songs that showcased each member’s unique voice and utilising more of an R’n’B edge to their sound. Their next two albums, 2002’s ‘One Love’ and 2003’s ‘Guilty’ both also cracked the top spot in the charts, while spawning multiple successful singles. ‘One Love’ brought the unforgettable title track, as well as ‘Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word’, a cover of Elton John’s 1976 ballad recorded in collaboration with him.
After such a strong start to their careers, their star stopped shining following 2004’s greatest hits album ‘Best Of Blue’, before an ensuing hiatus in 2005 while members pursued solo projects and other ambitions. They came back as the UK’s Eurovision Song Contest entry in 2011, finishing in tenth place with song ‘I Can’. Then in 2015, they were dropped by record label Sony Music, following poor performance by album ‘Colours’. The intervening years between 2005 and now also brought several limp singles, reality TV embarrassment, guest appearances switching Christmas lights on, and nostalgic tours with other boy and girl groups from their era.
With seventh album ‘Reflections’, the band has tapped into a new level of creativity, with the members contributing to writing for all songs on the album, a rare feat in the commercialised pop industry. They have so far released four singles, each one co-written and credited to an individual member. Lead single ‘One Last Time’, co-written by Duncan James, only managed to peak at 62 on the UK Singles Download Chart, but the album is loaded with quality songwriting and character throughout. The full track listing meanders between old-school pop ballads, and bouncier hip-hop adjacent tracks, with all four singers still sounding great despite 20 years having passed.
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As it stands on the midweek Official Album Charts, new release ‘Reflections’ is secure in the top spot, with just a few days left until the final count on Friday. Additionally, it currently sits at number one in the iTunes Albums chart, and Apple Music’s “Top Pop Albums” list. In what would be an incredible resurgence for the band, they first have to overcome stiff opposition. Cribs’ ‘Selling A Vibe’, sits just behind them in second, with Olivia Dean’s ‘The Art Of Loving’ following close in third after 4 weeks at number one since its release. Elsewhere, Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life Of A Showgirl’ is still in the top 10 after 14 weeks, and Alter Bridge’s new self-titled album is at a respectable 4th place.
Blue are also scheduled to tour the UK in support of the album, running between April and May this year.
