On his debut album, Mika pleasantly surprised all us with his exuberant amd catchy tunes. The follow-up The Boy Who Knew Too Much brought perfection, depth and complexion. Everything was going in the right direction, and it seemed like Mika is growing into a high quality artist. But, then it happened the third album - huge disappointment. Although it was released five years ago, I am not going to count it as a throwback. Let's dissect.
Everything sounds mirthful here, but Mika banalized and minimized his assets by removing dimension of the challenge. Experimental melodies were strong basis of his first two records. The catchy factor is desperately trying to erupt on The Origin Of Love. All minimalistic bla bla bla tunes such as Lola, Stardust, Emily and tedious Kids fail to stir excitement. The album closes with nonsense Celebrate that features Pharrell Williams and it was even chosen as the first single. The charts have proven that this for a catastrophical choice. Flop, flop, flop. Forcing dance sound and sterile rhythms did not help any innovative idea to stand out.
The opening track Origin Of Love comes off as one of the best songs from the album. One would expect the album to continue in successful manner, but no. It's a downward spiral from that point on. Another shiny moment is Step With Me, and then maybe Underwater in which Mika sounds a bit like Robbie Williams.
Mika himself did not seem enthusiastic when describing this record. Besides mentioning that the songs are dealing with serious themes of growing pains, he emphasized that they contain less layers. What a statement! The only good thing is that Mika is at least conscious of the crappy album he presented to the world.
Unfortunately, not one of the songs from The Origin of Love can compare with any from the predecessors. There are even many bonus tracks Mika recorded in French. Ella Me Dit was even No 1 single in France. I must admit deluxe tracks Karen, L'amour dans le mauvais temps and Un soleil mal lune have more charm than regular ones. Still, they did not reach the bar he raised before.
I still respect him for giving us two magnificent albums, and I keep on dreaming that one that he will give us old Mika back.
