The Boy Who Knew Too Much

1. We Are Golden
2. Blame It On The Girls
3. Rain
4. Dr John
5. I See You
6. Blue Eyes
7. Good Gone Girl
8. Touches You
9. By The Time
10. One Foot Boy
11. Toy Boy
12. Pick Up Off The Floor

Play.com Review

A strong contender for the most colourful release of 2009, pop sensation Mika (aka Michael Penniman) storms back into the public arena with his second album, The Boy Who Knew Too Much. Following the outstanding commercial success of his 2007 debut, the BRIT-award winning 'Life In Cartoon Motion', the Lebanese-born Londoner releases The Boy Who Knew Too Much, a monumentally spectacular follow-up.

Glitzy and sparkling with ideas, opening track 'We Are Golden' launches the album on a manic note - a hasty reminder that there simply isn't another artist under the mainstream radar as musically ambitious as Mika. Backed by a children's and gospel choir, the opening track teeters on the verge of fantasy - coupled with an aggressive edge, it turns into an emphatic slice of pop glory. Returning producer Greg Wells is likely responsible for the prominent grandiose orchestration - his previous credits include artists such as Rufus Wainwright and even The Count Basie Orchestra. This is particularly prominent on the whirlwind playfulness of 'Toy Boy' and the tap-dance romp of 'Dr John', whilst 'Blame It On The Girls' is both pulsating and slick in equal measures. Influences throughout the album range from Elton John to Disney, but equally obvious is Mika's growing confidence as a maturing songwriter. 'Blue Eyes' and 'Rain' are fine examples of a tunesmith hitting his peak, whilst the beautiful 'Pick Up Off The Floor' is a touching finale.

There's no doubt that the winning combination of Mika's inexplicable vocal talent coupled with the joyous, chaotic fun of much of the 26-year old's second offering makes for a very enjoyable listen. However, beyond the madcap sing-along chart anthems, there is a great depth to these recordings. Loosely themed on the struggles of adolescence, The Boy Who Knew Too Much confirms that, whilst Mika the purveyor of catchy three-minute wonders remains, Mika the maturing songwriter has arrived.

The Boy Who Knew Too Much is also available in a Special 2CD Deluxe Edition .

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