Despite people's expectation of a black Westlife, JLS come out bringing their own sound through chart-topper single 'Beat Again'.
- Aug 10, 2009
AceShowbiz - Soon after graduating from 2008 "The X Factor" as a runner-up, R&B boyband JLS were signed to Epic Records and they moved on to release their debut album. One single titled "Beat Again" has been released since July and it debuted at number 1 on U.K. Singles chart.
In its first week on sale, the track sold more than 106,299 copies, making it this year's second-fastest selling debut single so far after Dizzee Rascal's "Bonkers". The next week, the song remained at the chart's hot spot despite the fact that it only managed to add 67,731 copies (36|percent| drop in sale).
Beside reigning the U.K. Singles chart, "Beat Again" also sat at number 1 on U.K. R&B chart. Moreover, the song produced and written by Wayne Hector and Steve Mac will be included as a theme song for FIFA 10, the latest installment of football video game series. Its music video features them performing heartbeat movements.
Details about the upcoming album including its working title and release date are yet to be shared. But, one of the band's personnel Oritse Williams recently revealed their direction in the effort. "I think people might have expected a black Westlife," he said. "But that wasn't what we wanted to do. We have our own sound and you can hear it on the first single."
In order to make sure the album sounds like what they really want, these boys get involved in the songwriting process of the record. Having a single atop U.K. chart and hitting studio for an album are admitted to be like dreams come true. "Everyday I have to pinch myself," Oritse shared. "That it has worked out exactly as I wanted it to. This is closer than I ever could've imagined to the original idea for JLS. Let's just hope people love it as much as we do."
In the meantime, JLS have announced a bunch of U.K. tour dates. They will start the gig on February 1, 2010 at Ipswich Regent. Tickets for the shows have been made available for pre-order since July 23. Fans can visit their MySpace to obtain more info about the forthcoming concerts.
