MOST people's money would have been on Lee Ryan or Duncan James to be the solo talent rising from the ashes when boy band Blue split.

But Simon Webbe's solo album shows a softer more soulful side, which may surprise some. Simon took nine months out to work on new material, co-writing all of the 12 tracks, and singles Lay Your Hands and No Worries have already proved big chart hits.

One for a Sunday afternoon.

Released November 14, 2005.

John Anson