Kingsize (Five Album)

''Kingsize'' is the third studio album by English boy band Five. It was released in the United Kingdom on 27 August 2001 and later in Australia on 2 December 2001. On the UK Albums Chart, the album peaked at number three and was certified gold. ''Kingsize'' was the last album released by Five before their initial breakup.

Three singles were released from ''Kingsize''. The lead single, " Let's Dance", became a major hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. Other singles from the album included " Closer to Me" and " Rock the Party."

Background

Despite only being released three months earlier, ''Kingsize'' was re-issued in the United Kingdom on 24 December 2001, containing an additional track, "The Heat", as well an enhanced section, featuring music videos and interview clips. The Japanese release of ''Kingsize'' features an additional slipcase, as well as the bonus track "1,2,3,4,5", which was issued as the B-side to "Closer to Me" in the United Kingdom.

Copies of the album bought at Woolworths stores in the United Kingdom came with an exclusive poster booklet, containing information and facts on the band, as well as a complete chart history and discography. The poster booklet also indicated that a VHS release was planned to be released alongside the album, entitled ''Kingsize: Behind the Scenes'', detailing the recording of the album, featuring interviews with the band, and including the music videos for the lead single, "Let's Dance", and at the time, was planned as the album's second single, "Hear Me Now".

However, due to the band's imminent split, "Hear Me Now" was never released as a single, the VHS release was cancelled, and a ''Greatest Hits'' compilation was released just three months after the release of ''Kingsize''. The track "Set Me Free", which was recorded during the album sessions, was later issued as an original track on the band's ''Greatest Hits'' compilation.

Critical reception

The critic from '' Penarth Times'' wrote that the album starts off with energy with songs like "Let's Dance" for its "funky disco beat" and "Rock The Party" for its use of a '' Grease'' sample, but as the album progresses, tracks like "Take Your Chances On Me" and "On Top of the World" become repetitive and tiresome, and the album loses its momentum toward the end.

The critic from ''PopMatters'' stated that, despite Five disbanding, their ''Kingsize'' showcases their ability to blend R&B, hip-hop, and pop influences better than their contemporaries like Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. The review highlights tracks like "Let’s Dance," which features an upbeat, layered sound with voice modulation, and "Lay All Your Lovin’ on Me," praised for its use of ACDC’s guitar riff. The critic also notes that while their slower songs target a younger audience, Five’s energetic and catchy songs, such as "Rock the Party," demonstrate that they stood out for their funky, unapologetic approach to pop music.

Sineád Gleeson from RTÉ stated that it's hard to understand what Five is trying to achieve with their album ''Kingsize''. She noted that the group attempts to incorporate snippets of various genres into pop-sized songs, but ultimately fails, producing a "hollow collection of derivatives." She described the album as formulaic, advising those with musical taste to steer clear.

Track listing

Notes
*"Lay All Your Lovin' on Me" contains a sample from " Back in Black", performed by AC/DC.
*"Rock the Party" contains a sample from the main theme from " Grease".

Personnel

Credits adapted from ''Kingsize''s liner notes.
* Abs Breen – composer, vocals
* Andy Caine – backing vocals
* Ash Howes – mixing, programming
* Ben Chapman – production, mixing, engineering
* Ben Coombs – engineering
* Daniel Pursey – engineering
* Dave Arch – arrangement
* Eliot Kennedy – backing vocals
* Jason "J" Brown – composer, vocals
* Julian Gallagher – arrangement, production
* Martin Harrington – programming
* Matt Howe – engineering
* Richard Stannard – arrangement, production, backing vocals
* Ritchie Neville – composer, vocals
* Robin Sellers – engineering
* Scott Robinson – composer, vocals
* Sean Conlon – composer, vocals
* Sharon Murphy – backing vocals
* Stargate – production, mixing
* Steve Mac – production
* Tim Woodcock – backing vocals

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kingsize (Five Album)
2001 albums
Five (band) albums
Albums produced by Stargate
Albums produced by Richard Stannard (songwriter)