When Did P!nk Become So Beige?

P!nk's new single is already #1 on Australian iTunes and will, no doubt, usher in another era of unprecedented success in this country. Shame then she's still churning out the same old shit. The 32-year-old's last two albums went an incredible 22-times platinum between them and established Alecia as our pop star of choice. I've always thought her popularity over here stems largely from her anti-establishment attitude and the perception that she's not a record company product - unlike, say, Rihanna or Katy Perry. There was a time when I would have agreed.

I love P!nk's first four albums and was really excited when I'm Not Dead revived her stalled career. Sure, the album stole borrowed heavily from Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway but the mouthy diva's brand of pop/rock was tougher and seemed more authentic to her image. Unfortunately, that sound hasn't evolved one iota in 7 years and, rather hypocritically, she keeps working with the same producers as her so-called manufactured colleagues - only with diminishing returns. "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" is a pleasant enough way to pass four minutes but it's beyond generic and ultimately boring as fuck.

If you play "So What", "Raise Your Glass" and "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" back-to-back, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was some kind of outrageous extended mix. They cover similar lyrical territory, have an identical structure and include the obligatory swearing to prove that P!nk is still cool and rebellious. Bitch, take a seat. This shit is getting old and is doubly frustrating because she could mix it up. Why not rock out completely or take it right back? Tracks like "Glitter In The Air" saved Funhouse with their raw simplicity.

On a good day, P!nk is one of the best in the business but let's be real for a minute. "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" is lazy. She should take a note from Katy Perry and try something new once or twice a decade.

3/10