After smashing all competitors in the English pop world, ridiculously over-the-top Lebanese-American, England-reared pop god Mika has deemed it necessary to unleash his dominance on America. Just like the Pet Shop Boys, Elton John and Queen before him, Mika stands more than a fighting chance at a swift conquest with Life in Cartoon Motion.
He doesn't really look androgynous, but Mika definitely sounds it. He takes the Freddy Mercury approach to vocals-straight-from-the-conservatory, meticulous bombast. What makes Mika so fascinating and different is how he mixes this with songwriting so eccentric and cutesy that it seems purchased from an Osaka electronics store. Songs like "Grace Kelly" and "Love Today" are shocking upon first listen and don't lose their appeal after more than a few spins.
However, most of the second half of this record does. As an album, it is kind of subpar, but as a framework for some amazing singles, Life in Cartoon Motion does quite well.
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