Delta was the alpha female, Kylie lost her way, and the six-string was once again king in 2003, writes Bernard Zuel.
The good
In the bits of music that weren't Delta Goodrem in 2003, the standouts may well have come from two women who are in many ways the complete opposite of the piano ballad queen: hip-hop's brazen adventuress Missy Elliott (This Is Not A Test) and the best soul singer we've produced, Renee Geyer (Tenderland).
Elsewhere, for lovers of the guitar chord and the pop melody, this has been a stellar year. North Americans Fountains Of Wayne (Welcome Interstate Managers) and New Pornographers (Electric Version) were often insanely catchy and upbeat but also brilliantly crafted, something that can also be said of the more subdued Josh Rouse (1972).
funny...I have my fountains of wayne cd right next to my predictible cd.