Atomic Kitten: 'Anyone Who Had A Heart'

Released on Monday, Jan 28 2008

Published Friday, Jan 25 2008, 11:36 GMT | By Nick Levine | 6 comments

Now here's an early contender for the Oddest Comeback of the Year award. Atomic Kitten, the largely forgotten pop trio who've been AWOL from the girl-band barracks since 2005, have reformed for a download-only charity single. Ostensibly, they've been jolted out of retirement by The Number One Project, a celebration of Liverpool's musical heritage, but, with rumours of a UK tour abounding, the whole thing smacks of hedged bets and waters being tested.

Their comeback vehicle? A cover of 'Anyone Who Had A Heart', the Bacharach and David classic that Cilla Black, still the nearest thing there is to a Queen of Scouse-Pop, took to number one in 1964. The Kittens are better singers than most of us will remember, but, sadly, this version of 'Heart' is so listless and perfunctory that it makes their cover of 'Eternal Flame' look positively inspired.

More: Music, Gay Spy

Your Views

6 Comments

Your Responses

Lauri, Cambridge, on May 15th, 2008
Yeah, the statement that they are forgotten is completely wrong! There are lots of people who wait for their comeback. About the song, yeah, it's not one of the best songs AK has ever done & it might be a bit listless. And song is definitely not the best one for comeback as well but they had to pick one of the Liverpool's No1's and as much as I know they had to pick this one because Cilla Blacks version of it reportedly sold the most copies of 56 Number 1's... And after all they've never split up! I wish best for the girls in everything!!!

Frankie, on February 5th, 2008
An alright song, standard Atomic Kitten fare but not a great idea to issue it as download only, IMO. Oh well...

Scott, Midlands , on January 28th, 2008
Saying their forgotten is completely wrong to say, fair enough if Precious (Jennys Old Band) were goinmg to make a comeback, but atomic kitten?? They had 3 number ones which all stayed at number one for longer than a week, Anyway although i dont think this is as good as their original stuff or their disco pop i really hope this is a hit and they make their long awaited return.

Ajayrious, Nuneaton, on January 28th, 2008
To say Atomic Kitten are forgotten, clearly you do not watch Never Mind the Buzzcocks, as they are the butt of a joke at least once a series. Personally i think they were the greatest post Spice Girls girl group before Girls Aloud. Their 2nd Album especially ranks among my top 10. This song doesnt reach those heights, its not nearly as bouncy and disco dancingly catchy as the kittens best work, but i think they have done the material justice, which is all you can ask of a charity inspired cover song.

Michelle L, London, on January 26th, 2008
To state they are forgotten is a bit much. They are still remembered for Whole Again and although a cover, Eternal Flame without fail. It's not exactly a Spice Girls-Take That comeback but it's all in the name of charity so I wish them good luck but this song is the best of a not so good bunch!

Andrew , Liverpool, on January 25th, 2008
Absoutley Brilliant! I'm ashamed of what you said up there - they're not forgotten and one of the most successful Liverpool acts ever.