I don’t really know what to make of X-Factor judge and now former N-Dubz vixen, Tulisa Contostavlos‘ debut solo single, “Young.” The song was written by Peter Ibsen, Ali Tennant and Richard ‘Fazer’ Rawson, who also served as producer on the track. “Young” just might be one of those mindless summer club anthems that everybody dances to because it’s playing. Stop and listen to the lyrics (or lack their of) and you’ll quickly realize that this song is completely without substance. Of course there’s a place for this kind of music, unfortunately for Tulisa, Cascada currently corners that market and has for sometime. Here’s hoping the rest of her album offers a bit more.
“Forgive me for what I have done, cos I’m young,” she repeats over generic David Guetta-lite dance beats. I guess if Tulisa was looking to create a fun, clubby summer anthem, she’s completely succeeded. The single is complemented perfectly by a beautifully shot video, filmed early March in Miami. The video features Tulisa and some friends having fun, trashing a big luxurious hotel suite and frolicking on the beach. About what you’d expect, given the song’s depth. Overall, I was just hoping for a little bit more. While it’s quite evident that Tulisa can sing, “Young” just does absolutely nothing to showcase her talents.
In addition to being a judge on the last season of the UK’s X-Factor, Tulisa was a longtime member of Camden-based hip-hop group N-Dubz, along with her cousin Dappy and their mutual friend Fazer. The trio released three albums together before eventually splitting up this past March. As part of N-Dubz, Tulisa saw a good deal of success with the band, releasing two Top 10 albums (Against All Odds – #6, Love.Live.Life – #7) and three Top 10 singles (“I Need You” – #5, “We Dance On” feat. Bodyrox – #6, “Best Behaviour” – #10), a couple Top 20s and countless other charting singles. The band’s last album, Love. Live.Life was released November 29th 2010 via All Around The World Records.
Check out Tulisa on the web: