Daniel Bedingfield has made a big comeback into the music industry. He just released a new EP, Stop The Traffik - Secret Fears, and he’s even a judge on New Zealand’s first season of The X Factor.

If you remember “Gotta Get Thru This,” or listened to Daniel’s 2002 album of the same name, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with Stop The Traffik - Secret Fears. The special edition of the new EP was just released, and even includes a live acoustic version of his single “Way With Words.” It’s all a big jump from the dance mix version of “Gotta Get Thru This” - and in a very good way.

The new EP showcases a variety of Daniel’s talents - covering dance, folk, acoustic, piano ballads and more, you’re sure to find a song you’ll fall in love with in this collection. What I like most about this EP is how Daniel’s vocals always seem to stand out and shine, not matter what type of song it is.

“Secret Fear” begins with a quiet vocal opening, that then makes its way into a dancy chorus with haunting melodies. I love the dichotomy between the quiet and the loud - it really feels like a ‘secret fear’ that you’re getting let in on.

“Naysayer” has even more of a dance feel to it than “Secret Fear,” but without being too much. There’s a good blend of quick jumpy vocals and music complete with horns and drums. It sounds like a song about doing what’s right for you, even when someone else thinks you can’t do it.

Until “O.V.E.R. U,” every song on Stop The Traffik is more dancy than the last. This one sounds like one you’d hear in a dance club, and the lyrics are just like you’d expect from the name: “I’m over you now. I’m free, I’m alive. I don’t miss you anymore.” It’s about getting over someone and getting to that point where you don’t miss them anymore and you’re ready to say goodbye to that part of your life. And “O.V.E.R U” is great for those times when you’re done with someone - you can dance around and sing to this empowering break up song.

“Every Little Thing” slows the album back down to a powerful ballad about how “every little thing’s gonna be alright.” Next is “Don’t Write Me Off,” another ballad - this one piano focused. Here, we hear raw emotion as Daniel begs, “Please, don’t write me off just yet.” The build up on “Don’t Write Me Off” is one of the biggest highlights on the EP.

“Way With Words” clocks in at only a minute and 19 seconds long. Daniel’s vocals mixed with a quiet guitar melody make for a strong close to the album, that then goes into a live rendition of the song.

The live version of “Way With Words” almost has a Bon Iver “Blood Bank” feel to it - it’s got the hollow sound and haunting vocals like Bon Iver is known for. Not quite something you’d expect, but it’s definitely welcome.

All in all, Stop The Traffik - Secret Fears is a great choice if you’re looking for some new music. Plus, proceeds from the EP go to the advocacy organization Daniel co-founded in 2006, Stop The Traffik. (Learn more here: www.stopthetraffik.org). Pick up the EP today - you surely won’t be disappointed.

Check out Daniel Bedingfield online at:

Website: http://www.danielbedingfield.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanielBedingfld
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/artist/daniel-bedingfield