/Mclean: My Name (Single)

Mclean: My Name (Single)

When I read that Mclean had served his apprenticeship in Urban Pop through working with the likes of Chase and Status, N-Dubz, and Tinchy Stryder, I wasn’t entirely surprised that he is being touted as ‘one to watch’ in 2010. It also came as no surprise that his debut single ‘My Name’, has a lot of the Urban Pop characteristics of the music served up by his contemporaries. Yes I’m afraid to say, that although well written and produced, for me anyway, this track was too generic, too ‘heard it all before’. That said, there is an impressive vocal depth in the soulful voice Mclean produces on the recording, and the love story played out in the lyrics is quite engaging.

The radio edit of this song is joined by five remixes, and again my reaction was mixed with these. The first mix from Scorcher seemed too similar to the radio edit and didn’t add much to the CD, while the second from Boy Better Know did add some interest with its Mc-ing/Rap segment. The mix from Attacca Pesante also added a bit of interest with a more chilled out vibe, and piano laden intro, though the CD ended on a busy, noisy, not altogether engaging note, with the dub style mixes from Blame. I think it’s safe to say the CD went up and down in my estimation as it went on its course, but the sound is current, the vocals strong (although they could be shown off more), and I’m sure it’s proving to be a popular download. Best in small doses for my ears, but see what you think!

‘My Name’ is available now through Asylum Records and all good download outlets. For more information visit www.myspace.com/mcleanofficial or www.youtube.com/mcleanofficial