Sanctuary

Ex-Blue member Simon Webbe has delivered an assured collection of often quite beautiful songs that make this album a surprisingly impressive pop debut.

Webbe's voice sounds like the raspy tones of Lighthouse Family's Tunde in parts, with more than one nod to Seal, lending him a more confident and mature sound than when he was accompanied by three others.

The album opens with the hit track 'Lay Your Hands', which is soon surpassed by the magic acoustic sound of 'All This Time'.

'Unjustified' presents the unlikely fusion of country with a little motown funk — the only time Webbe gets a little tough — the rest is all heartfelt pop ballads that show why Webbe was really the powerhouse behind Blue.

But for the most part, it's smoother-than-smooth pop that dominates this album, with many key changes, though having the potential to turn things a little darker, choosing rather to take each single along the "feel-good" route.

Check out Webbe's R&B talent on 'Only Love' (with some elements of gospel too), and be lifted by the hit track 'Free'. Then let sing-along Carribean-flava'd 'Star' put a smile on your face (is that a pennywhistle I hear?)

It could have been worse from a former boy band member — but Webbe has produced a debut not to be scoffed at.