Cheryl Cole: 'Parachute'

Blimey. A bit's happened in The World of Cheryl Cole since the lyrics for her third solo single were written. In the light of recent developments, "Baby, if I've got you / I don't need a parachute" is probably only topped by "I won't fall out of love / I'll fall into you" for sheer inappropriateness. While it's clear she's not feeling those words now, it's also fair to argue that she wasn't necessarily 100% behind these sentiments when she stuck them on plastic last year. That's perhaps the peril of being a pop cipher, as opposed to an artist in complete control of their own lyrical destiny.

It's this disconnect between Cole, her carefully-crafted public persona and her equally deliberate choice of material which makes it a struggle to accept her fully as a solo pop princess. All that said, while 'Parachute' features the same fauxfessional shtick as 'Fight For This Love', it's also a much better song. It's slickly-produced and the wonderfully melodic verses bring out the best in her voice rather than highlighting its deficiencies. It won't put her up there with the likes of Kylie or Britney, but along with the quirky '3 Words', it does offer evidence that there may yet be worth in Cole as a bona fide popstar rather than mere tabloid fodder.


> Click here for our review of Cheryl's album