Stepping away from her regular ensemble – no more Steps puns from now on, I promise – Claire Richards releases this solo set and throws herself back into the spotlight…a note under the inlay preaches the gospel of independence, self-belief and resilience that gives a warm feeling. This is what seems to fan her flames and anyone who has struggled will have empathy.

Clearly there are people in the business who believe in Richards’ talent and they have convened on this project. She is at pains to thank them in the barely legible liner notes with the CD. Straining my eyes with a magnifying glass I can confirm the involvement or encouragement of Peter Loraine, Adam Klein, Steve Anderson (Kylie, Harriet) plus friends, partner, offspring, parents. There’s maybe a hint that she feels she has been high-maintenance at times and surely not the first showbiz figure to be so. The scene set, we now press play…

Opening cut On My Own has a lower register vocal intro over soft piano, sliding into a soft tempo before the chorale and drums bust in tight on cue. The busy string-laden backdrop goes for a fat, warm sound with the lead vocal uncluttered. This number is catchy and dare one say, radio-friendly. Though with the duff state of music radio lately, who really knows what that is…?

As regards songwriters, everybody and his dog are involved on this record, even the usual Scandi coterie and Dianne Warren! End Before We Start is a generic ballad with bog standard clichés in every line BUT such a fine vocal performance, much can be forgiven. The strings are spot-on, the drums unerringly pro. Someone has worked on the right keys which has its own dividend. Richards sounds comfortable soaring away at times. A more electro-pop sound brings in 7 Billion, Claire using an insistence phrasing to ride the cut. Again the song has a snappy pop appeal.

On to These Wings with sprinkled piano chords and more than a hint of Celine as the melody unfolds. Shrillness is avoided but this does sound as though it’s looking for a West End musical to take up residence in. And such numbers can be popular. Next up Deep Waters with an Enya-style intro and haunting in its own way, though the chorus is over-eager. A possible single, I venture with the right video. Liar starts in a solemn manner and doomy words. A sweet-sounding lyric delivery with a scent of Joni. Brave is sombre as it starts and perhaps the album’s most original moment in its cinematic flow. Maybe it’s one of those fashionable songs that encourage female strength in adversity. As good as most efforts in that style. Whilst the production is predictable, this at least sounds sincere. Perhaps this is Richards’ core strength, she does not sound as though she is faking emotion.

Shame On You is a much livelier piece also together with a hint of Shania. Easily the most listenable song on the menu for this scribe but really needs a trumpet counterpoint and solo. A remix with that would be a huge hit. The bass needs no revision. Do try to get a listen to this ! The following effort is Ruins and it’s back to shady balladry, sounding OK but ordinary. Title number My Wildest Dreams has a truly lovely vocal, surely as distinctive as she has ever sounded on a recording, so all kudos. The drumming turns almost tribal as the tune progresses. Superior pop.

For Now has a mystic weave and also sounds like fodder for a musical, already mined earlier in the programme. Finally we get Don’t Leave Me In This Love Alone which starts softly, with Claire in sweet-sounding mode on another Dion type setting.

The images of Richards featured in the design really are beautiful and complement the overall package. A thoroughly pro set by a warm and capable singer. Some of these songs will strike deep with her following.

Pete Sargeant