CRITICS must have been waiting with bated breath for Dido's follow up album to the hugely successful No Angel.

Could she deliver the goods the second time around, cementing her position as the fantastic female talent that spawned songs like Thankyou and Here With Me?

Or would the bubble burst for Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle Armstrong, exposing her success the first time around as nothing more than a product of hype?

It's a tricky one. On one hand, Life For Rent could be accused of being bland background music but it was much the same with No Angel to begin with - some might say if it wasn't for Eminem's sampling of Thankyou on Stan, Dido wouldn't have become half as successful as she has.

But on the other it demonstrates the mature quality and confidence which could once again captivate the nation - White Flag for example is a tune with the power to brainwash the listener so they're humming it long after the three minutes are up.

The other tracks are pleasant enough but need a good few listens and while - can't see many rushing out to buy the album on the first day of its release, it won't cause her popularity to wane.

MC