Born in Blackburn, England, Diana Vickers, 18, was discovered when she took part in the fifth season of the British talent show The X Factor. After coming fourth, she was signed by RCA records and released her debut album, Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree.
Even though the young artist was a semi-finalist on The X Factor, a show which requires contestants to sing famous songs, the 13-track album contains no covers. With its blend of heavy synth bass sounds and Vickers' characteristic soft voice, each track brings something new to the album.
Opener and chart-topping single Once is an electro dance-pop track with immediate appeal because of its addictive, foot-tapping melody and catchy guitar-powered chorus.
Vickers also displays her ability to sing down-tempo numbers in the sad, acoustic ballad Four Leaf Clover.
Unfortunately, the lyrics are less memorable because they are so focused on teenage angst about boys and break-ups, and the repetitive choruses can be irritating at times. But these are minor flaws in an otherwise impressive effort by the young artist.