General comments
After many listenings, I was finally able to put my thoughts together. In general, it's a very good album, one that I was not expecting Mika to present that early in his career. The more mature subjects are more than welcome. What I especially love is the more frequent use of the lower notes in his voice. It's so soft. (It reminds me the way Jean-Jacques Goldman made Celine Dion sang on D'eux, one of the most powerful French album of all time… And I am far from being a Celine fan). I also love the use of percussion and other instrument. I saw only one small flaw: some songs (popular, heroes) seem a bit random and not in total accordance with the general them of the album.
Origin of love
Powerful song with super-charged lyrics. Written from the heart, to be listen with the heart.
Lola
Lovely beat, good to sing along and get a crowd moving.
Stardust
No one can't resist the beat of the song. A very good song to introduce Mika to anyone who either don't know him or think they don't like his music. In that sense, it would make a good single to attract new fans.
Make you happy
I felt in love with it the first time I heard it. I love the robotic voice, think it suits the purpose. I see it as a way to play with the voice as an instrument, not a way to disguise lousy vocals. The strings in the latest version are mesmerizing.
Underwater
Another favorite that I loved at first sight. Very powerful ballad, as with origin, we can feel it comes from the heart. Beautiful piano part. I love the background music in the second part where you can almost hear the sea as if you're actually under water.
Overrated
Very closed to be my favorite! It's a very angry and desperate song, almost violent.
Kids
One of the songs where Mika's voice is almost like a whisper. Good use of percussion.
Love you when I'm drunk
It's a funny/upbeat song
Step with me
Probably my favorite. This song makes you feel good and wanna dance with your loved one. It's the ultimate happy love song and one I would have never expect Mika to write.
Popular
Again, funny and I like the interaction with Priscilla Renea, but it's probably the song I like the least.
Emily / Elle me dit
Love them both. Love the evolution in lyrics in the English version.
Heroes
Another good surprise. It's beautiful and quite powerful. Good use of the guitar.
Celebrate
The album with Pharrell is good but the acoustic version with the China Boy verse is better, especially in combination with Joy singing the Pharrell parts
French Bonus Songs
Karen, L'amour dans le mauvais temps, Soleil mal luné
Of the 3, Soleil is my favorite. Great voice/piano combo. A real clash with the album since they are all so sad. I think they reflect of Mika's dual personality. But please, find a new (and better) collaborator. In some French show, they suggested Jean-Jacques Goldman. That would be a match made in heaven!
Overall rating: 4.5/5