Alain Clark
Dutch pop sensation Alain Clark makes his UK debut with an upbeat pop record called Father & Friend. The Netherlands' answer to Will Young, Alain sings here alongside his father Dane Clark in a spirited and emotional ballad.
Easily a contender for the cheesiest song of the last decade, Father & Friend begins with bright and breezy acoustic guitars building throughout before eventually turning into a frenzied hybrid of Hear'say's Pure and Simple and something from High School Musical.
Setting the syrupy sentiments and sickly production values aside for a moment though, the song does feature some incredible vocal talent; Alain's warm and inviting tone against the dry earth and grit of his ageing father's creates a perfect-fit contrast.
The tune is catchy and lyrically this is a wordy Father's Day card tied with a cumbersome purple ribbon. It may be cheesy but there's no denying it's a great pop song with a pair of sensational voices.
If anything, this simply lacks the kind of edge that makes Amy Winehouse and Macy Gray modern day soul legends. Sweet, tender and sensitive, this will have anyone singing along for a few listens but reaching for the sick bag soon thereafter.
Rating: 3/5
Anthony Hill