Search - Angel :: Believe in Angels Believe in Me

Not everyone can transcend the teen pop genre, but like former labelmate Justin Timberlake, No Secrets' erstwhile lead singer has done an admirable job of distancing herself from the often coy and insincere musical genus, despite the fact her former glammed-up girl band was one of the best of the bunch. Much of the credit for their success has to go to Angel herself, whose strong vocal style and impassioned delivery transcends any hint of banality. On her solo debut, this kittenish and formidably talented singer continues to outshine her material--especially the couple of hackneyed offering from the Matrix, that splashy production team who helped make Avril Lavigne a household name. In fact Angel's best moments are on the three tunes--including the title track, with it's female empowerment subtext--that she co-wrote, where she fiercely attacks more age-appropriate subject matter, coming off as feral and as anthemic as Joan Jett in her prime. --Jaan Uhelszki