James McManus - Either side Of Midnight

James McManus is the latest Brit School export to follow in the footsteps of Amy Winehouse and co. and release an album.

It’s unlikely that crazy-haired crooner McManus will receive the same sort of critical acclaim though with this bland, un-original offering.

Citing his influences as Billy Joel and Elton John, McManus kicks things off with the uplifting and twangy Milky Way.

This is shortly followed by single Bang The Piano, a catchy, radio-friendly number interspersed with piano riffs a-plenty.

But most of the tracks sound pretty boring, and his pleasant yet limited vocals do nothing to save them.

Best described as a cross between James Morrison and James Blunt, McManus has brought nothing new to the Brit male pop star table – and falls short of his counterparts.

He will probably be more famous for dating TV sweetheart Martine McCutcheon than for his music, as this mediocre pop album is destined to end up in the bargain bin.