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DISCOGRAPHY

Under here is a record of all of Abs's releases during his solo career and a short review of each song in the single / album. Hopefully I'll be able to add the album later, which has been named Abstract Theory.

Click on the thumbnail of the cover art for a larger version.

WHAT YOU GOT (DEBUT SINGLE)
1. What You Got
2. Lost For Words
3. What You Got (Almighty Mix)
4. Video [Enhanced]

RELEASE DATE: 19 August 2002 (UK) and 2 September 2002 (AUS)

COVER ART:
This is Abs at his best.... I love the angle Abs is looking up to, it shows Abs's wings tattoo (the memories) effectively. The black vest is just sexy, and the nick on the eyebrow just looks perfect!

1. WHAT YOU GOT
What You Got is the first single from Abs, released in August 19 (UK) and September 2 (Australia). It's a simple kind of track, with a reggae feel, sampling Uptown Top Ranking. Not Abs's best track in my opinion, but it highlights Abs's singing talents and his unique voice, that he can do more than just rap. It's a grower also, so it'll take a few listens but you'll enjoy it afterwards.

2. LOST FOR WORDS
Lost For Words is the b-side to What You Got. The lyrics are cheeky (typical Abs).... "Let me introduce myself, I'm Mr A, B got my CD on your shelf...." The song isn't one of those to completely grab your attention, it doesn't try too hard either. There isn't any fancy music or a catchy chorus. The results are reasonably well - just Abs and his raw talent. While Lost For Words, may never become a huge hit it's definitely a suitable b-side.

3. WHAT YOU GOT (ALMIGHTY MIX)
Admittedly I haven't heard this remix too often - but it's basically a remix of What You Got, without all the verses in the original song. Personally, I definitely prefer the Reggae Mix and the original version, this has a bit too much of those female singers throughout.

4. WHAT YOU GOT (MUSIC VIDEO)
The music video for What You Got is quite like what Abs wanted it to be. As he keeps telling us, he chose his own dancers and the girl in it. The storyline's a bit like the lyrics in the song - with a girl. In between, Abs shows his DJ skills and breakdancing talents! The video's very original - I love the breakdancing and the grins from Abs at the end!

ABS - SHAME [EXCLUSIVE TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND]
1. Shame (Remix)
2. Come With A Little Bit More
3. Roll With Me
4. The Dog In Me
5. What You Got (Reggae Mix)

RELEASE DATE: 25 November 2002 (AUS)

COVER ART:
Close up Abs... he's going for the serious look here and it works just as well as the What You Got cover! Perhaps there's only one criticism.... the placement of the Abs logo, it could be a bit smaller I'm not sure, but it's getting in the way of Abs's chin. Other than that, it's a good close-up look at Abs himself...... The background's quite the same as What You Got, dark and serious...

1. SHAME (REMIX)
Shame is a sample of "It's A Shame" by Monie Love... basically the chorus of it (I think). It's quite a good song actually, it's a fast song with light raps and easy to dance along to. Again, there's those female backing vocals.... Overall, it's a great song and I think Abs has reworked it quite well... although I haven't heard the original before!

2. COME WITH A LITTLE BIT MORE
One of Abs's fastest and best tracks. There's the quick raps we're all used to combined with a nice bridge and chorus. There's not much to say about this song really, it has the kind of style we've come to expect from Abs - being aware of all his talents!

3. ROLL WITH ME
One of Abs's personal favourite songs. It's the only slow song we've come across so far.... and Abs plays the piano on this. His voice is amazing in this, especially in the acoustic version of this. I love it - in fact it's quite close to being my favourite! I would expect this song to be in the upcoming album.... but I'm not completely sure.

4. THE DOG IN ME
Probably the stand-out track from the Shame single, and the most unusual song! Abs took quite a long time into recording the voice of the dog... which is quite cute actually! The song's not a grower - quite good from the start already. Again, it's a bit like what we'd expect from Abs, and it shows a side of Abs's cheeky personality!

5. WHAT YOU GOT (REGGAE MIX)
This remix of What You Got gives the whole song a different feel, and I definitely prefer it to the Almighty Mix...and possibly is even better than the original version. The music beats are catchy and obviously give it more of a reggae feel as the title suggests.

STOP SIGN [CD1]
1. Stop Sign
2. Music For Cars
3. Stop That Bitchin'

RELEASE DATE: 26 May 2003 (UK) and 21 July 2003 (AUS)

COVER ART:
Fits in well with the magnificent Stop Sign music video. This cover has more of a creative sense, and has a black-and-white theme with a classic expression on Abs as he looks onto his own logo, which has been slightly modified and looks better! The tracks on Abs's hair is easy to see from his body position. Here, Abs doesn't go for the plain sexy look, but nevertheless one of the best!

1. STOP SIGN
The second long-awaited single from Abs released May 26 (in the UK) this year. This is the first track showing Abs's new direction in sound, and it's quite unexpected for fans at first. However, it's a grower and even addictive afterwards. It's a dance track combined with a motown soul (whatever that is). There's some great beats in the music and Abs's voice is great in the verses.... and he sings the chorus as well! It's nice to see Abs back - this should be a hit!

2. MUSIC FOR CARS
One of the older tracks, which was previewed middle of last year at Absessive. The song's not one of my personal favourites, but the raps are cheeky and the lyrics are almost tongue-twisting... "Figgidy feel my flow, my riggidy rhyme like a virus actin' like you don't know." The start of the track features a children's voice, and the chorus is a bit repetitive, basically repeating the title towards the end especially towards the ends. Abs's rapping talent still makes this song ok to listen to, but it's a bit dull to me. Perhaps it will grow on me later...

3. STOP THAT BITCHIN'
The fan's choice of song, and again one of Abs's older songs. It was previewed on Take 40 on the first airing of What You Got on Australian radio stations. It's an instant hit, with the catchiest bridge and quick raps in the verses. Perhaps, it's not as original as some others, but it has that special sound which makes it sound great.

STOP SIGN [DVD SINGLE]
1. Stop Sign Video
2. Stop Sign (Bimbo Jones Remix - with picture gallery)
3. Stop Sign (Nu Skool Brakes Remix - with picture gallery)
4. The Making of Stop Sign

RELEASE DATE: 26 May 2003 (UK), Not available in Australia.

1. STOP SIGN VIDEO
Probably one of the best music videos I've seen, if I dare to go that far. It's been cleverly made to fit in with the dance tune of Stop Sign, with Abs displaying all his breakdancing skills. The video is fast-paced, with frames changing quickly, and Abs changing from white to black costumes. It's a visual pleasure - something that will take me a long time to get tired of. Model Sophie Anderton, and Abs's female dancers plus four other male dancers including Terry and Mouse help make this video a success.

2. STOP SIGN - THE REMIXES
Honestly, I'm not too keen on remixes myself, so before going on with this review, I must admit I haven't even heard these yet. Well I turned it on for 30 seconds - 1 minute of each, I don't know and it seemed rather boring, but how would I be able to judge? There's a few new pictures while going through one of the tracks (don't remember which one), plus the old official pictures which I'm sure we've all seen before!

3. THE MAKING OF STOP SIGN
Not a particularly interesting video of how 'Stop Sign' was made. Stop Sign was quite an awesome video, though this short video doesn't really give you a behind-the-scenes look to it. It's almost misleading, in my opinion. The music of Stop Sign is played in the background throughout with the camera showing individual shots of Abs dancing, getting his make-up done, etc. I watched it once, and couldn't be bothered watching again.

MISS PERFECT [SINGLE]
1. Miss Perfect
2. Miss Perfect [Problem Kid Latin VOX Remix]
3. Come With A Little Bit More
4. CD-ROM Video & Album Sampler

RELEASE DATE: 25 August 2003 (UK)

COVER ART:
One of the best shots from the Miss Perfect video shoot. I would assume it wasn't too hard to pick from the selection. However, this shot makes use of the entire cover well with Abs's right hand taking up some space on the left. The red theme is appealing and screams "buy" from the consumer. Comparing covers of both CD/DVD's, this one is also slightly more revealing. This cover should be more appealing than the DVD, which it is, because it is available in more places, and is the main disc.

1. MISS PERFECT
Miss Perfect is quite the mainstream song - less catchy with a bit of an R&B sound. Nodesha lends a hand on the vocals and she sounds fairly great in most of the song. Quite a likeable song, the one most likely to do well in the charts.

2. MISS PERFECT [PROBLEM KID LATIN VOX REMIX]
Remix of the original song. Not exactly much to describe - when I haven't heard it myself.

3. COME WITH A LITTLE BIT MORE
Also a b-side on the Australian Shame single. Fast paced dance tune, with a hot sexy rap from Abs. Although it's one of my favourites, I was selfishly hoping for a new track to listen to. Features vocals from 'those' backing singers again.

4. CD-ROM VIDEO & ALBUM SAMPLER
The album sampler is promo genius! Especially since it targets those who bought the single... an audience that can be influenced easily. With the album being released a week after Miss Perfect, this could work wonders to boosting album sales. As for the CD-ROM video, it seems to become a 'must' in Abs's singles. Must be 'cause they're all shot so expensively.

MISS PERFECT [DVD]
1. Miss Perfect - Music Video
2. Spin
3. Miss Perfect - Fresh Cut & Bimbo Jones Mix (with pictures)
4. The Making of Miss Perfect (Video)

RELEASE DATE: 25 August 2003 (UK)

COVER ART:
Fortunately BMG have decided to go for two different covers on both singles to make it look like they are two separate discs. The mood of the picture is serious like the CD, with a different colour theme that matches the top on Abs.

1. MISS PERFECT (MUSIC VIDEO)
The video has quite a Summer theme to it, with Abs sporting tighter clothing and showing us a bit more of his abs. There's nothing to the video really, a little repetitive, with a few body moves and hip-swinging with Nodesha. You can tell the video's shot pretty well though. Personally not one of my favourite videos.

2. SPIN
Why this track was placed onto a DVD is beyond me, as it wouldn't be playable in CD players/computers, etc. It's Abs's cover of the Dead or Alive track, 'You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)' - the one that we've heard about for a little less than a year now, and it was even supposed to be released as a single at one stage. Have only heard a 30 second sample so far, and from what I've heard, it sounds just like you'd imagine, the song edited to fit in with Abs's personal style.

ABSTRACT THEORY (DEBUT ALBUM)
1. Stop Sign
2. Miss Perfect
3. What You Got
4. 7 Ways
5. Back To The Limbo
6. Rain
7. Turn Me Up
8. Lover's Rock
9. Roll With Me
10. Emotional
11. Shame
12. Angel [+ The One & Only - Bonus Track]

RELEASE DATE: 1 September 2003 (UK)

COVER ART:
Not a bad design, but could be improved slightly. The picture doesn't suit the design well and it's also flipped the wrong way. Other than that, the title's clear and bright. The cover is what the consumer looks at first, and it tells them, 'Get ready for a show!' And that's what to expect from Abstract Theory.

ALBUM SUMMARY
'Abstract Theory' basically reinforces Abs's talents in an album that is undeniably pop. Each track individually has its own quality, from disco pop, fast and fun tunes to chilled out tracks and slow ballads. The tracklisting could be improved for maximum effect, but the quality of the album is enough to shine through. A great debut pop album! (and a very catchy one - sounds even better if you sing along)

1. STOP SIGN
Abs's funky comeback single kicks off the album appropriately setting the mood for the album. Turn it up loud and join in the singing. It's so addictive! It may have been Abs's best track, had I not heard it so many times.

2. MISS PERFECT
The third single, featuring new American R&B artist, Nodesha. Both voices blend in well in the chorus to create a rather catchy pop/R&B song.

3. WHAT YOU GOT
Summer-style chilled back kind of song with a bit of a reggae vibe. Definitely a grower. Has a slightly disappointing chorus, in comparison with the verses. Not one of the best - but sounds quite different compared to the rest of the tracks.

4. 7 WAYS
A slower song than the previous three singles. Features Eve, who sings rather quietly giving the song a darker mood to it. '7 Ways' is not instantly likeable, but it has quite a strong hook that sticks in your head after a few listens.

5. BACK TO THE LIMBO
Fun anthem/theme that could easily suit a party. The music samples the cricket theme, which is an interesting base to create a song off. Abs pulls it off though, and makes it quite an enjoyable song. One of my favourites. It includes a fast rap at the end and a little bit of Spanish ? (or whatever language) Perhaps, if I had heard the cricket theme before I would have found this song humorous.

6. RAIN
The first slow ballad in the album, and probably the best one. It's sung beautifully and leaves a lasting impression after listening. Could easily be a single, and seems to be the type of song that appeals to most.

7. TURN ME UP
Funky modern dance track with an extremely catchy hook. Reminds me a bit of the Kingsize days (5ive) except slightly more upbeat. If there's a song you'll get in your head afterwards, it's probably this.

8. LOVER'S ROCK
Chilled-back easy-going song that grows on you with every listen. Again, it's different from all the other tracks, and the chorus is easy to remember.

9. ROLL WITH ME
Another easy-going tune, with Abs's voice shining throughout. Perhaps there is too much music that takes away the overall effect of the song, in comparison with the acoustic version which is excellent.

10. EMOTIONAL
Dark, mysterious song different from anything Abs has ever done before. Takes a couple of listens, but it definitely shows the other side of Abs, and what he can do.

11. SHAME
Samples "It's A Shame" by Monie Love. Have probably overplayed it before hearing the album but it's easily likeable (the chorus is slightly annoying) and it includes a trademark Abs rap in the first and second verse which we've become accustomed to in his 5ive days. Was released as a single in Australia.

12. ANGEL
Very appropriate ending - smooth ballad, a bit of a feel-good tune. Not as strong as, 'Rain' but it has a catchy hook to it.

13. THE ONE AND ONLY [featuring Caroline]
A bit of a duet. Sounds a little like the mainstream songs dominating the charts today, with Abs's unique rap style thrown in. I quite like this song, but it reminds me a little of Abs's older style.

7 WAYS [SINGLE]
1. 7 Ways (with rap)
2. Angel
3. 7 Ways (5am Remix)
4. 7 Ways Video and Enhanced Section

RELEASE DATE: Unknown (was scheduled for 10 November in UK)

COVER ART
Cover is nice and simple - I like the picture chosen and the blue background seems to blend in together well with the foreground.

1. 7 WAYS (WITH RAP)
One of my favourite tracks from the album, and Abs's best single in my opinion. I can see this doing well in the charts, like Miss Perfect did.

2. ANGEL
I was hoping for some more b-sides we hadn't heard of, but hopefully Angel will draw people into getting the album. It's a nice slow song.

3. 7 WAYS (5AM REMIX)
A nice remix thrown in the tracklisting as usual. Haven't heard this yet though.

4. 7 WAYS VIDEO AND ENHANCED SECTION
I've seen the video on 56K connection and from what I've seen I'm not too impressed. 7 Ways has such a strong storyline I thought we'd be able to see that on the video. Nevertheless I suppose it's eyecatching, which can only be a good thing. Recently, Absessive held a competition for the enhanced section. The winning entries will be displayed and the names of all participants will also be listed!

OTHER TRACKS:
1 . If Ya Gettin' Down [Abs Remix]
2 . Roll With Me [Acoustic Version]

1. IF YA GETTIN' DOWN [ABS REMIX]
Abs's own version of one of his favourites while being in Five, If Ya Gettin' Down. It's got added raps, but the man still uses a tape in the bridge where the other guys sing. I don't think it's going to be on any CD - but Abs uses it as a crowd pleaser and for many people who aren't yet too sure of his songs yet, this is the song where the cheering comes in! The raps are great, perhaps better than the original version... and it's nice to see Abs changing it a bit instead of looking like he copied the whole song to sing by himself!

2. ROLL WITH ME [ACOUSTIC VERSION]
It's the first acoustic I've ever heard from Abs, and I must say I'm impressed! His voice is at its best and the rap at the end is fast and breaks the song up a little. After hearing this, I've grown more fond of the original version actually... and I think every artist needs to do an acoustic version to show that there's more to the song than the beats.