The Magic Numbers second album "Those The Brokes" shows that they are indeed channelling the spirits of Wilson Phillips. Sacrilege? Not at all - La Phillips remain one of my very fave girl groups of all time and I adored The Magic Numbers debut cd... both acts (although a good 15 years apart) had debut albums full of breezy sun drenched pop tunes soaked in tight harmonies and strumming guitars. Indeed, Ruthiepoos and I can't imagine seeing MN play in the winter as it wouldn't seem right... However, whereas WP embodied all that was perky and upbeat in their songs, the perky music of Magic Numbers hid lyrics of heartbreak and betrayal, a theme that both acts tackled on their second albums. For Wilson Phillips, it was a more mature, certainly darker effort for them - and ultimately, less successful, which led to the band splitting for 13 years. The Magic Numbers second album however, stays faithful to the style of the first, which if you liked it, is great. The question is, is it different enough to attract new fans? Well, lead off single (the glorious Take A Chance), This Is A Song and You Never Had It are radio friendly hits waiting to happen. Yet mid album you come across Undecided where a more bluesy rootsy sound takes hold - and works incredibly well. Overall a solid sophomore set that may not win new fans, but will certainly solidify the substantial base they already have...
