If you are in the mood for something fun, flirty and deliciously campy, make sure you pick up Mika's debut album "Life in Cartoon Motion". It is a collection of up-tempo songs and mellow ballads that will probably have you raising an eyebrow at first, and then dancing your heart out by the end.
Mika has a very strange voice - it's quite, well, manly when he sings in a normal manner, but he often ventures into the world of falsetto, and believe me, his falsetto would even make James Blunt jealous.
"Life in Cartoon Motion" opens with "Grace Kelly", one of many chart-toppers off this album. It is an incredibly fun and silly song about Mika's troubles getting signed under a label. It is a great album opener too, since it is a perfect showcase of what is in store for us. It has heart, it features well-sung vocals from Mika, and also features his trademark naughtiness ("Should I bend over, should I look older just to be put on your shelf?"). Mika, you old dog.
"Lollipop" continues in the same manner, until "My Interpretation" kicks in - it is the first ballad, with great melody and wonderful, well, interpretation.
Next come another two amazing chart toppers, "Love Today" and the unbelievably simplistic, yet effective "Relax (Take It Easy)". If you finally decide not to buy this album, make sure you at least get an mp3 version of this track - it is flawless. It is followed by another great track, "Ring Ring", which is one of my personal favorites.
"Any Another World" is probably the weakest track on the album, its undefined slow melody failing to strike a chord with the audience. Next, there is the musical theatre-like track, "Billy Brown", just as passable as the previous one. But then Mika compensates with the ridiculous "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)", a track you can't help but shake your butt to, no matter how big or small it is. The last two tracks, "Stuck In The Middle" and "Happy Ending" (reminiscent of Madonna's "Nothing Fails) gradually slow down the pace and end the album.
Although Mika's debut is by no means flawless, it is definitely an album to buy - a living proof that one doesn't have to succumb to generic pop in order to be a sensation.

I walked into a restaurant today and "Love Today" off this album was auto-playing on the jukebox. Ordinarily I don't pay much attention to jukeboxes, but this song is pretty hard to ignore. Sensing a Rickroll opportunity that was also a win for the audience, I put a hard-earned 50 cents into the jukebox and fired up "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley. Normally the first few notes of this are all that's needed to rile up an angry mob, but in this case after having been prepped by Mika they were really into it. That pretty much sums up how bad this song is, buyer beware.

I literally discovered Mika a week ago through a friend and instantly became a fan! My taste in music up to this point was rock from the 60's and 70's but lately I've been branching out and Mika is my new favorite.

When I first listened to Grace Kelly, my first thought was "Freddie Mercury?" but as I listened on I realized that Mika had a whole different vocal range and he delves into places that other musicians hadn't gone into before.

Hopefully Mika will come to the U.S. for his next tour!

Since we bought this C.D., my wife and I can't stop listening to it. It's fresh, it's fun and it's a great buy. His voice reminds of Freddy Mercury, but Mika has a distinct style that separates him form everything we've heard before. A true must for every music aficionado!.

Most of the time when you come across music that's generally described as feel good, most of the time it's very self indulgent tripe, however, Mika has the magic touch with making you feel good with his music and you realise that he's not the typical musician that's full of his own compliments. Grace Kelly was the first time I'd ever heard anything of Mika's and to be honest without seeing the video or hearing any introduction of the song itself I actually first thought it was an old song by Freddy Mercury. Mika's vocals are very sound-a-like to Mercury, which I think is his whole appeal as some people would like to think that the sould of Freddy still lives on. Mika himself has credited Freddy as an inspiration for his music.

We have a saying in the UK that it's Marmite music, you either love it or you hate it. I've met many people who purely hate Mika and his style of music, yet I've met people who can't get enough of his music. I'm a part of the latter group as I really can't get enough of his music. Mika truly has a bright future ahead of him as he's now given us a sound that is really his own, and the minute you hear a new song of his on the radio, before you're told who it is you know it's Mika.

My Top 5 are

Relax, Take It Easy
Lollipop
Grace Kelly
Big Girls, You Are Beautiful
Happy Ending.

This is a really special album that I feel can lift anybody out of a bad mood and have them laughing and smiling again.

I heard this CD while I was hanging out with my friend. She was playing it in her car and the second I heard it I had to know who it was!! It's that kind of music that everyone can enjoy because it's upbeat, fun to sing along to, has some great messages (Big Girls You are Beauitful!), and is a great mix of genres that makes it easy for everyone to like -- from my 65 yr old mother, to my 20 yr old girl/guy friends, to my 4 yr old nephew! Basically, if you dont like it, I might have to call you crazy.

i love this. it is such a feel good album. he is remarkably talented.

the woman in the background talking about her blindness due to a bomb is depressing, but it also makes you feel like you understand where he is coming from. the pain he has seen, and the joy he still finds in life and music.

I first heard Mika on some late night music television channel in Amsterdam during the arrival of Sinter Klaus, the song was Big Girl (You Are Beautiful) and it had a great sound and was just fun fun fun! Then in January here in the States Mika preformed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and again I was treated to another playful song (Love Today). I simply had to buy the album.
There are a bunch of really fun and exciting songs on this album, and some sentimental slower songs (I'm not too much into such tunes), but friends and associates have all asked to listen and borrow it and like them all.

Escuchar a Mika es llevarse un chapuzón de serotonina. Es como el chocolate y el buen sexo: te pone HI. Como altas son sus notas de tenor entrenado para la Ópera y ahora entregado con desenfreno al Pop. Es pegajoso y contagioso. Es que la alegría de sus griticos y su música juguetona es imposible que no te ponga con ganas de saltar y alzar los brazos, al menos esos son los efectos que tienen en mi "Gracy Kelly" y "Lollipop". Si es necesario que se encierren en el carro o en un cuarto a solas para admitirlo ¡háganlo! Es liberador.

Mikahil Holbrook tiene 24 años, nació en Beirut y se crió en Inglaterra. Desde el 2006 había lanzado "Take it easy", pero es desde febrero del 2007 que es oficialmente un cantante para el mundo. Año en que su álbum debut Life in cartoon motion (bajo el sello de Universal, Island Records UK) cosechó cuatro premios, el sencillo "Grace Kelly" se llevó ocho premios, "Relax Take it easy" tres, "Love today" cuatro y otro par de canciones se llevaron uno. Finalmente en enero 2008 el niño bello libanés fue premiado como el Mejor artista revelación en directo (British Breakthrough Act) en los Brit Awards 2007. Ahora Mika ya trabaja en su segundo álbum.

En una entrevista contó que buscando entrar a la industria fue rechazado por ser "demasiado melódico para la escena Indie y demasiado raro para la escena comercial." ¡Que bueno que estas cosas ya no se están decidiendo sólo en esas escenas, sino por el público que escucha!

"Mika declara que ha crecido escuchando de todo, de Joan Baez o Dylan hasta Serge Gaingsbourg o flamenco y que admira a los grandes compositores como Harry Nilson, Prince o Elton John, capaces de hacer grandes discos con una visión propia."

A Mika lo comparan, y la mayoría de las veces con malas intenciones, con Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Scissors Sisters, Beck, T-Rex y Rufus Wainwright. A parte de eso a mi me suena que hay bastante ABBA influenciando su sonido, sobre todo en "Take it easy"; también tiene sus dosis del George Michael de Wahm! y de The Beatles en "Billy Brown".

En lo particular escuchar sonidos bien influenciados no me irrita. Y es que es inevitable, sobre todo si lo comparas con semejantes máquinas del Pop. Con toda la influencia y los parecidos que se le quiera achacar a Mika, a mi me parece que sigue siendo autentico. Ponle atención a sus letras y verás.

Las críticas más fuertes se centran en que se parece demasiado -imita o copia- a Scissors Sisters y en que en ese sentido estos son mucho mejores. Sus detractores sólo el aceptan el single "Grace Nelly" y el resto del disco lo echan a la candela.

A mi me encanta que lo comparen (con saña destructiva) con Freddie Mercury, de quien siempre estaré profundamente enamorada y quien además es un astro que brillará por siempre sobre nuestras cabezas. Y es que Mika canta en "Grace..." "Intento ser como Grace Kelly./ Pero todos sus aspectos eran demasiado tristes./ Así que intento ser como Freddie./ Mi identidad se ha vuelto loca."

En sus letras Mika se habla a sí mismo, se dice cosas sin sentido, otras con demasiado y mayormente se dice verdades un poco fuertes, como en "Lollipop" que dice "¡Canta!/ Chupando demasiado tu piruleta, / el amor hará que te vengas abajo." y el resto de la letra se pone más "dura", pero la música es tan happy.

En "My Interpretation" Mika canta con más balada y charrasqueos de guitarra que fiesta, en un tono de resignada aceptación: "Si la mitad de lo que dijiste fuera cierto,/ y la mitad de lo que no he llegado a hacer pudiese ser diferente,/acaso eso lo haría mejor?/ si olvidáramos las cosas que sabemos./Acaso tendríamos un lugar a dónde ir?/ El único camino es hacia abajo, y puedo darme cuenta de ello/Ahora." Esta tercera canción es como down en el disco, un intermedio. ¿Será por sus influencias de la Ópera?

Ah, pero en "Love today" vuelve la vibra sexy y alegre, con más sintetizador, teclado y batería, porque es la consecuencia natural a la canción anterior, con suficiente irreverencia y trasgresión en la letra: "Oye chica por qué no puedes seguir adelante?,/Es porque simplemente tu madre te tiene nublada/ Es un poco fuerte, es como sólo probar para divertirte/ Bueno tu ya no tendrás que pobrar a ningún otro,/ Te haré una amante."

Mika crea una música auténtica, que no anda buscando aprobación, y para mi: lo hace muy bien. Las letras expresan situaciones, emociones y posturas muy sentidas, y en ocasiones sicodélicas y oscuras, mientras la música ofrece en contraposición ritmos alegres y ligeros. A mi me sirve.

En "Take it easy" canta "Relax/ Hay una respuesta a los tiempos más obscuros./ Está claro que no entendemos, pero la última cosa en mi mente/ Es salir de ti./ Creo que estamos en esto juntos./ No grites - hay tantos caminos a la izquierda.

Luego viene una canción melancólica, con coros y violines, llamada "Any other world" que comienza con una anciana contando cosas tristes y dice la canción "...Di adiós a aquel mundo en el que creías que vivías/ inclínate, actúa el papel de un solitario, solitario corazón/ di adiós a aquel mundo en el que pensabas que vivías/ al mundo en que pensabas que vivías"

Con "Billy Brown" Mika nos cuenta una historia ¿será la suya? ¿a quien le importa? La canción tiene un humor negro divertido que suena al ritmo de un pianito casi infantil a lo que se suman unos redoblantes, y me recuerda a los Beatles, y dice "Ah Billy Brown había vivido una vida ordinaria./ Dos niños, un perro, y una esposa de advertencia./ Mientras esto iba todo según el plan./ Entonces Billy Brown se enamoró de otro hombre.

La octava pista es un regalo para la belleza real, para las gorditas, "Big Girl (You are beautiful)" que empieza con el sonido de una sorbida y dice "Entré a la habitación/ me sentía como si fuera un gran globo/ yo les dije, hey chicas ustedes son hermosas/ quiero una coca dietética y una pizza por favor/ una coca dietética, estoy de rodillas/ gritando chica grande, eres hermosa." 1 Mika 0 Blunt.

Y otra vez una canción sentida, que suena a despedida, a amor, a reconocimiento... "Stuck in the middle" comienza diciendo "Me siento y pienso en el día/ en que vayas a morir..." y nuevamente ese contraste entre letra y música piano, batería y coros hacen de esta pieza una rara alegría.

Finalmente, "Happy Ending", donde Mika nos deja escuchar su voz menos chillona, más calmada y melodica acompañada de un coro que canta "Esta es la manera en la que me dejaste, no estoy fingiendo./ Sin esperanza, sin amor, sin gloria, sin final feliz./ Esta es la manera en la que nos amamos, como si fuera para siempre./ Viviremos el resto de nuestra vida, pero no juntos." Y Mika contesta: "Me despierto por la mañana,/ tropezando con mi vida./ No obtendré amor sin sacrificio/ Si algo debe pasar, yo deseo que sea bueno/ Que sea un poco de cielo, pero también un poco de infierno." Siendo esta la unica canción que podría llegar a sacarme una lagrimita si no contara con ese ritmo refrescante que caracteriza todo el disco.

Superb. Simply superb. Truly a major talent and an extremely well produced album.

I hate it when people say that the lovely Mika resembles other past singers. To us Mika is himself and is his own person. We just saw him on Feb. 5th at the House of Blues in Chicago and were blown away. After months and months of listening to his cd and youtube videos, we were blown away by how flamboyent he puts on a show. He is one in a million and our favorite singer and person. We love him! And with Mika's words of the House of Blues, we'll say that his album is "Absolutely Delicious"!

The Meyer Twins
Haley and Megan

Mika is, perhaps, the most original and dynamic musician in the pop industry today. His work sounds for all the world as though Elton John and George Michael collaborated and wrote a musical together, but his voice is purely his own - it is reminiscent of Freddie Mercury, reminiscent of George Michael, but definitely his own. I am looking forward to seeing what he does on his next album!

Mika should get more radio play in the US so that everyone can enjoy his unique voice and fabulous vocal range. Nominated for a Grammy for Love Today, the big hit worldwide was 'Grace Kelly', actually a far superior song, soaring through three octaves and coveying Mika's frustration at trying to get a recording deal. The American's don't seem to understand the true meaning of the song. He doesn't want to be like Grace Kelly, he is saying, what else can I try to make you (the music executive)like what I do?
ie: he's run out of ideas! Never mind, because this album has sold almost six million copies wordwide and Mika sells out concert halls everywhere he goes and the audience all seem to be able to sing along to the wonderful Grace Kelly, and leave the concert in a very happy mood indeed. The US version of this cd has the sublime track 'Erase', a perfect radio track if ever there was one! It is not on the UK version, so American's are blessed to be able to purchase a trully wonderful and diverse cd.
With talent and exceptional good looks Mika should be a much bigger hit Stateside!

This CD is awesome from begnning to end! I can't just sit and listen to most newly released CDs these days as they get boring and unexciting. This CD is different as it flows very well and every song is catchy and interesting. I would highly recommend this CD if you like this type of music.

My favorite song on this CD is Relax (Take It Easy), I first heard this when I was living in Russia in 2006-2007. Not sure why in Europe it comes out faster, but i felt the moment I heard the song. Every song on his disk is different, so you can definetly find the song you like for your mood. I also found it dissapointing that so far he has only 1 disc. I really hope more are coming!

I got the cd for a friend of mine. He had borrowed it from another girl we both kew and after the first 5 minutes, he liked it enough to buy it. So he did. I paid for it and he paid me back.

Warning: once you listen to this album, there is no turning back. All of these wonderfully catchy and brilliant songs WILL get stuck in your head... when you go to sleep at night, when you wake up in the morning... no, I'm not kidding. And every moment is bliss. I've had the CD for a little over a month and I need to listen to it at least twice a day.

MIKA is king!

For those of us who found our muse in the 80s, much of this album will sound eerily familiar. Whether that's a good or bad thing is up for debate. In the layers of visuals, we see Yellow Submarine. In the familiar hooks of the songs we hear the Gibbs, Freddy, John and Paul, maybe a little Benny and Bjorn, Bowie, and Sir Elton. But I have to admit his execution is no less than masterful. I really enjoy this album. I think Mika may have what it takes to fill the void left by the passing of the greats. His vocals are good and will only get stronger over the nex 5-10 years. He's a true song smith who I believe will also grow into his own original form -- he's already there in some ways. Here's hoping he can stay focused on the art as his popularity swells. Welcome Mika.

If you are a musical skiddish (avoid Michael Jackson because your afraid of others might say) don't purchase this cd, Mika can hit some redicliously high notes, for a man, and sings about some obsucure subjects. However, if you enjoy any music for its purpose of entertainment then purchase it now, lots of really great catchy tunes. Genra Considered Indie, Pop, and Alternative

When the first US track (Grace Kelly) was released, I swore for weeks that it was a new George Michael single. If you like George Michael's energy, Freddie Mercury's delight in his own voice and Elton John's wit, you will love Mika.

I bought this because I really enjoyed a couple of the more popular songs. Once I listed to the who cd, three times in a row, I realized that I loved the whole thing! There isn't a bad song in the bunch! And the last song on the cd, a secret track, was amazing.If you like a combination of The Beatles and Queen, with a techno-disco feel, you will love this.

Yeah, yeah, Grace Kelly is a great song and the guy sounds like Freddy Mercury, but the rest of the records isn't worth the bucks. Buy the single.

Too dancy

If Rufus Wainwright is too "out there" for you, don't even touch this CD. Leave it alone.

However, if you are open-minded and enjoy infectious, brilliant music without worrying too much about categorizing it, PICK THIS UP. Mika had me from the first song (the outstanding single "Grace Kelly"...like the bastard child of David Bowie, Freddy Mercury, and Elton John, what a great song!)

Throughout the rest of the album, he shows great musicmanship and range (there are ballads, rockers, disco tunes, electronic tunes...all over the map!)...the common component is that this guy just writes really great songs (plus there's his voice...almost a dead ringer for Freddy Mercury, and GREAT use of falsetto....)

Get this one, it's good...can't wait to hear more from Mika.

One of the best albums I've ever listened to. Each song is original, and has that hip-hop-ish kind of feel to it, but it's mostly Lollipop that is like that. However, every song is very good, and very original, and I never though that anybody's voice could go that high, excluding Mariah Carey's, but anybody who wants a good album should buy this.

INTERNATIONAL "SHOW OFF-POP TART" (his own words) MIKA
has gifted the world "the greatest thing since sliced bread" in
the POP MUSIC ARENA with his CD album: "LIFE IN CARTOON MOTION."

You will not find a better HOLIDAY music gift value.
ALL songs should be played "AT FULL THROTTLE"
(MIKA's own words.)
The only downside is blowing out your speakers 'cause
you love it all so much and so loud.

Just so you know--
-AMAZON chose to list "LIFE IN CARTOON MOTION"
#5 Best POP MUSIC for 2007.

-MIKA recently won FOUR awards--all in one evening--at the
WORLD MUSIC AWARDS in Monte Carlo for his song-writing/
singing/performing talents.
(Over 100 reviews are here for you to look over.)

"SPRAY ON THE GLITTER" (MIKA's own words) &
HAVE YOURSELF A FUN, HAPPY HOLIDAY!

PS: There is also a new DVD "LIVE IN CARTOON MOTION"--
which is a must once you become a true MIKA fan.

You have to have a sense of humour for Mika. He certainly has one, which is one of the things I find most appealing about him. His range is startling (in a good way!) and the songs are catchy, fun, and creative. I could live without a couple of the slower tracks but in general find the whole album immensely enjoyable. It's impossible to be in a bad mood with "Life in Cartoon Motion" a soundtrack to your life, and for that reason if for no other I absolutely suggest it. Get it, listen to it, lighten up, and love it.

You will, I assure you.

I loved this CD! I'm a 45yr old woman, and yes, the first thing I thought was Freddie Mercury. What gets me about Mika and his style is that the music is so upbeat and bouncy, yet the lyrics are melancholy and full of emotion. There is an irony there that I find very appealing. As for "My Interpretation", he could have been singing about a relationship I am currently navigating. I love that Mika is courageous with the music, the lyrics and with his vocal range. I am really appreciating this music.

This is a great album. I bought it because of Grace Kelly but honestly all of the songs are great.

Of all the places to find out about a new CD - I was reading Lilith Saintcrow's blog about her new book "Saint City Sinners" and she always has the coolest music there. Lo and behold - I've missed Freddie Mercury for years and there just was no one better - Queen ruled for so many years before his death. Mika seems to be the reincarnation of Freddie himself! In a time when so many groups sing other people's songs and don't play their own music much less write it I always appreciate a band that does it all. Viva la Mika! I'm going to be playing this CD as much as I've been playing Plain White T's! The music and vocals are compelling and perk up a bad day any day of the week!

It's always very exciting when you buy a CD hoping it'll be good, but you really have no idea whether it will be or not. It was not only as good as i had hoped but even better than that! Very few modern artists know the art of making a good album, but he does, and you won't be disapointed

Mika's second album has taken the world by storm and its not difficult to hear why. He is extremely talented with a great song-writing ability and he also possesses a unique voice. Many people have compared him to the late Freddie Mercury in both voice and song-writing, which is a great compliment. I have enjoyed this album immensely.

Dopo Happy ending c'è anche il bouns track Over My Shoulder.
Attenzione: comprato insieme al libro degli spartiti Life in Cartoon Motion è stato messo in una scatola voluminosa. Alla posta 12 euro di diritti doganali, non so se per il formato o per la provenienza.

LOVE THIS CD!! Sounds very poppy and a little sugary sweet, but I LOVE it. Mika's got a unique voice, and wrote most of the songs. Nothing too deep, but wonderful dance beats and gets me going in the morning and after work much better than coffee!!

Like the Scissor Sisters but with a bit more cheek. Interesting mix of sounds.

Very fun music, most songs you can't help but try to sing along with. Bubble gum music for this decade.