US singer-songwriter Christina Perri's 2011 debut album, Lovestrong, made the UK top 10 on the back of near-million-selling single Jar of Hearts. The follow-up finds her deviating little from the template, her four big-name producers crafting an album heavy on big, earnest ballads that – with the exception of the soaring Sea of Lovers – are more technically proficient than engaging. Elsewhere, the instantly memorable Burning Gold deserves to be a set text for restless pyromaniacs, although the Ed Sheeran duet Be My Forever outstays its welcome as soon as it blunders into reheated Hall & Oates territory.
Head or Heart review – Christina Perri sticks to the big-ballad template
Phil Mongredien
The US singer-songwriter's follow-up to her 2011 debut, Lovestrong, is more technically proficient than engaging
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Phil Mongredien
Phil Mongredien works on the Guardian's opinion desk. He also reviews albums for Q magazine
Phil Mongredien
The GuardianTramp
