Mika – The Boy Who Knew Too Much

"We Are Golden" kicks off the album with true defiance, exclaiming "We are not what you think we are / we are golden, we are golden!". A self-fulfilling prophecy, sales wise for Mika...?

Later in the album, he allows you to look beneath the pomp and fanfare of his audacious music. "I See You" is a melancholic soliloquy about not being able to be honest with others for fear of rejection. "Blue Eyes" follows a similar vein, wallowing in the age-old concept of being 'misunderstood'.

These are just some of the solemn notes in a collection that explores the kaleidoscope of hormones and emotions felt by every boy. There are some amazingly joyful, explosive moments like "Blame It On the Girls" and "Good Gone Girl" to lift your spirits and remember that the most important thing about being young is remembering to enjoy it.

And it's more than just flamboyant percussion, intricate, dynamic melodies and his piercing falsetto that lend itself to a theatrical style. The album develops from track to track like a musical, and the big number happens about 2/3 the way in. "Touches You" is that big number. It's bold: a little dirty and weird; predatory, yet sweet. "I wanna be your brother, wanna be your father too/Never make you run for cover even if they want us to/I wanna be your sister, wanna be your mother too / Whatever else that touches you" he croons.

He wants to be a girl and a boy? That's right, and don't you dare box him. On his previous album, Life In Cartoon Motion, a few of Mika's songs suggested that he might be bisexual, as does this song...perhaps. Yet whenever he's questioned about it, he refuses to talk about his sexuality. Avoidance for the sake of acceptance? Hardly. He is quoted as saying "If I was worried about sexual taboos I certainly wouldn't have made the record I made. It has nothing to do with that. It has more to do with self-respect." The track is so much more than a comment on sexuality, though. It encompasses so many feelings, and that's probably why it's so attractive. It's got that 'hate that I love you' vibe. Typical teenager....

"Pick Up Off The Floor" is an obvious message closing this dynamic 'play', and his exquisite lilting vocals and progressive chords cleverly fly in the face of anyone who ever thought he was anything less than 'golden'. This is obviously a very personal album, but he's managed to avoid it being labelled as one big pity party. Mika has been incredibly generous by giving his audience fantastic, feel-good music to help them digest the realities of his (and most likely their) troubles.