Daniel Merriweather: 'Red'

'Red' is apparently a song about a "relationship gone wrong" that can also be interpreted as "a metaphor for looming political change". Hmm... could 'Credit Crunch Soul' become an new exciting new musical sub-genre? Sadly this press release description of Daniel Merriweather's latest single is much like the singer himself - intriguing on paper, but lacking in excitement when you actually sample the goods.

Sean Lennon's on guitar, Mark Ronson's on knob-twiddling duties and Merriweather's creamy vocals are given a real workout here, but there's something rather cold and clinical about the Australian's performance. He may list Stax and Motown as influences, but the 26-year-old doesn't transfer the fire and thrills of his heroes into his own melodic flow. 'Red' is definitely anthemic and Merriweather is undeniably talented, but he's going to have to cut loose or risk turning into the sort of Magic Radio fodder only your Auntie Val can love.


> Click here to watch the 'Red' video