The debut single.
In the beginning, there was POP IDLE. This televised talent show begat Gareth Gates, the winner; Will Young, the man who got the most votes; Darius Danesh, the talented one; Zoe Birkett, the cute one; Rik Waller, the big one; and others. Amongst the others was Jessica Garlick. She didn't do too well, but her sound was perfectly suited to music hall performances. What better music hall can there be than the one in Tallinn, Estonia, where the Eurovision song contest would be held.
The introduction is classic big band, all soaring strings.
The song, written by an airline pilot, was an easy shoo-in for the UK's selection as Song For Eurovision, especially after the other decent song was disqualified for being released before.
The verse is complex, and - hey! - the whole thing is written in waltz time. Long words, long thoughts, complexity of a kind that is uncommon in modern music.
It's not difficult to figure out what the song's about. The list of reasons why the singer has erred, and pleads for the other to return.
There's a wonderful staccato chorus, where everything stops for a beat, adding emphasis to the exposition. "Come back ... if you need me." Note also the backing singers, oohing and aahing in exactly the right places to counterpoint the strong lead vocals.
Jessica didn't disappoint on the night itself, performing the best version of the song I've yet heard. It wasn't quite the best performance of the night, but clearly deserved a tie for third place.
And the ending ... a long note that is high and held and always hit.
The future's bright. The future smells of garlic.
The album, Eurovision 2002
, is out in all good stores. An artist album may follow.