IT'S been a whole year since G4 Mamma Mia-ed their way into the hearts of grannies across the nation on the TV talent show X-Factor.

The "popera" boys first burst onto the scene with their take on Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody but after hearing it for the 357th time, to say it was starting to grate would be an understatement. I was sick of the sight and sound of the suited and booted foursome, classically trained or otherwise. And now they're back again with album number two.

Here we have 15 tracks featuring a few special guests like Robin Gibb, Lesley Garrett and Sir Cliff Richard - always a festive favourite and guaranteed to get those grannies flocking to their nearest music store on pension day.

Strangely, this album manages to combine spectacular highs with the lowest of lows.

Highlights are Barcelona with Lesley Garrett, La Donna e Mobile from Verdi's Rigoletto and I Vow To Thee, My Country.

Their version of Britney's One More Time and Radiohead's Creep on X-Factor were novel and they've tried to do the same by covering Yellow by Coldplay and Beautiful by Christina Aguilera, which also sort of work. Only just though. But the line must be drawn at Miss You Nights with Sir Cliff, Fever, and The Wonder Of You. So truly cringeworthy the cover should carry a warning.

The best thing about this album that it is perfect Christmas present fodder for those older female relatives so I suspect time's not quite up for these gentlemen just yet.

MC