The boys of Blue haven't lost it one bit. Still as sexy as ever, Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan, Duncan James and Antony Costa are back as Blue and representing the UK at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Germany this Spring. I'm BEYOND thrilled to hear that these boys are back, seeing that I came upon them shortly before they disbanded, each pursuing solo careers with varying degrees of success. Their album, Guilty, was the one I stumbled upon and immediately fell in love with. The album featured a mix of both pop and R&B and while there were only a handful of songs on the album that I really liked ("Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours," "Guilty," "Bubblin'," "Breathe Easy" - basically all of their singles) I was instantly left wanting more. The boys managed to string together 3 #1 albums in the UK, starting with 2001's All Rise. In addition to three #1 albums, the boys also managed to top the UK Singles Chart thrice and land in the top 5 six times. Super impressive for a boy band with only three albums.
What's even more impressive is that Blue was essential shortlisted by the BBC, to represent the UK in this year's Eurovision contest. Typically, that decision is left up to the voting public, after finalists have been given a chance to submit songs - correct?
The chosen single, "I Can" was produced by Dsign Music and written by band members Duncan James and Lee Ryan AND co-written with Ciaron Bell, Ben Collier, Ian Hope, Liam Keenan and StarSign. That's a long list of writing credits, but no matter. The song is hot! "I Can" sounds kind of like it was especially-written for the new Backstreet Boys/New Kids On The Block supergroup, who passed on it and recorded "Don't Turn Out The Lights," instead. I know it sounds like I'm knocking them but I swear I'm not. Blue hasn't released music since 2003 and things have changed since then - as far as what's fresh and hot now. "I Can" sounds like an updated boy band song. Something for a contemporary boy band. Something that could actually get radio play in this day and age.
In addition to Eurovision, the boys of Blue are also working on their comeback album. According to an interview with Digital Spy, they've lined up both Ne-Yo and Bruno Mars. "I Can" will be available to download in the UK on May 1st, followed by a physical release on May 2nd.Drool overWatch the "I Can" video below and UK fans, pre-order the single HERE.
Check out Blue on the web: