28/02/10: DIANA VICKERS- Once

If you were on this planet two years ago and you didn't hear a mention of Diana Vickers, then what rock were you sleeping under? In case you haven't a clue of this sultry solo singer, Diana was featured on The X Factor and made it down to the final four. However, although failing to bag the winner's position, people saw big talent in the unconventional Vickers and she was swiftly signed up to RCA Records and began working on her new album, entitled 'Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree'.

The first song from this album, titled 'Once', certainly shows that there is a lot of promise in Vickers. When Diana was on The X Factor, her voice was unlike any other contestant, and luckily that original voice plays a huge part in this track. With a killer hook ('I'm only gonna let you kill me once') and lyrics penned by Cathy Dennis and Eg White, the song incorporates elements of synthpop, a sound that is growing in the UK music scene. At times- especially when the word 'Once' is repeated over and over- the song sounds a little samey and too much pop for liking, but it must be stated that this certainly differs from the route other X Factor contestants have taken. Winners such as Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke have gone for mainstream sounds, but Diana's seems pretty original and quirky in nature.

The song is released on April 19th, one week before Vickers releases her debut album. Today's music scene is packed to the brim with fresh new sounds from female artists, with the likes of Florence + The Machine, Marina and The Diamonds and Ellie Goulding seeing hoards of success. It is yet to be seen whether Diana will see as much success, but this song certainly has the makings to provide the first stepping stone.