Gareth Gates has released his debut album, featuring his three number one hits and 13 new tracks, one of which he has co-written.

The Pop Idol singer will be hoping to emulate fellow contestent Will Young's success, whose album went straight to number one in the charts.

"As an album, this leaves no lasting impression and is far too long - you get the sense that the songs have slickly rolled off a production line," wrote BBC News Online's Michael Osborn.

But what do you think?

This debate is now closed. Please see below for a selection of your comments.

Couldn't wait for Gareth's album which I was first in line for Monday morning and I am playing it constantly, I am yet another mature Gareth fan and find this album to be fantastic, it has something for everyone and shows how his voice already brilliant has matured into a very adaptable one. He is not only cute but extemely talented and I believe will be around a lot longer than the other one, what was his name?
Tina, UK

I think that Gareth Gates deserves every moment of fame and fortune he gets. I am saying this because it's true, he's worked so hard to achieve everything he has now and I wish him all the best in the future. I have bought every single he's had out and I am getting his album for christmas, and I can't wait to hear all of the other songs I haven't heard before. CONGRATULTIONS GARETH YOU DONE US ALL PROUD.
Janet Lane, Wales

Gareth's music is great. He has a far better voice than Will. I think Gareth has great potential. My friends and I can't wait until he comes out here, as we will be in the front row.
Amie , Canada

I'm a very big fan of Will Young's and I've never really had much interest in Gareth Gates, but after hearing his album I am totally converted! I love him just as much as Will! Will and Gareth are very different musically, but they've both made cracking debut albums and I hope that they stay in the music business for many more years yet! Gareth's album is like a mix of Westlife, George Michael and Michael Jackson and it's totally addictive! Any doubters out there, please have a listen to Gareth's album with an open mind and then be prepared to criticise. I don't think you will need to, though, I reckon you'll be pleasantly surprised! I was!
Lindy, UK

I adore Gareth Gates. I am one of his biggest fans and I have been playing his album non stop since I got it. It's fabulous, he's fabulous and he should have won Pop Idol.
PMSL, UK

Well done Gareth. An Album I have enjoyed listening to from start to finish. Some pleasant surprises showing versatality and good vibes for the future. I think this young man will make it long term and I look forward to his next offering.
Kazzy, UK

Gareth is the real Pop Idol and this album proves it Toni, UK

This is a fabulous debut album. I love the way that ballads have been interspersed with funky, up tempo tracks. The title track, What My Heart Wants To Say is a truly amazing song with very poignant lyrics and other songs such as (I've Got No) Self Control and Sentimental would sound great in the clubs! I know that lots of people are rubbishing this album without even hearing it. They should try getting off their high horses, opening their ears and actually LISTENING to it before passing judgement. Gareth's 'poppy' music and his sweet, clear voice have considerably more appeal than the dreary, easy-listening style droning from the likes of Will Young. Gareth is the real Pop Idol and this album PROVES IT!
Toni, UK

Gareth is a pop artist without much talent. His coming as runner up to Will was due to public sympathy (the stutter) and lovestruck pre-teens. Will Young is a genuine singer with massive talent. The two albums reflect this (although even Will has been let down by the need to appease the pop market). There is nothing at all special about Gareth's voice, going to any Karaoke club will confirm that fact. Will's voice is a unique instrument,a nd the man is simply leagues ahead of the boy. But this should no longer be a competition between the two...,Will won, remember. The fact that the record company keeps playing them off against each other is despicable...I am sure they wanted Gareth to knock Will off the number one spot (except the mighty Foo Fighters intervened!). Why not let Gareth's album wait till say mid-Nov, when Will's would definitely no longer be number one?
Sandra, UK

Bless him! This album is absolute rubbish, but he'll probably get away with it due to being cute. Poor him though - how is he ever going to credibility if he releases this sort of drivel? Will has staying power, not as a pop star but as a singer - think Frank Sinatra, Gerorge Michael etc. Shame Gareth doesn't have the voice or even the songs to fool us into thinking he has too.
Lou, UK

My sister bought this album yesterday. I have to say that I expected Gareth's album to be all Westlife-y ballads, but I've had the surprise of my life! It is so different to what I expected! I will be buying my own copy as soon as possible. I would rate it 5/5. THIS coming from a fan of the Cocteau Twins and Radiohead! Keep up the good work Gareth.
Daniel , UK

It's hard to disagree with Oscar Wilde's assertion that youth is wasted on the young. Especially when you consider the number of excitable teenage girls going ga-ga over Gareth Gates. The Karaoke TV phenomenon has gone too far - but we can stop it. Don't buy this rubbish!
Zack Flockhart, Scotland

"Ow!! Ow!! Ow!! Ow!!" That is the sound of me stabbing myself in the eye with a rusty nail. Yet still it is preferable to listening to this drivel
Rabi Rae, Scotland

I absolutely love this album and have been playing it all morning. I do agree that perhaps it is too long but his voice is just so beautiful that he does justice to every track. I particularly like One and Ever Love and No Self Control.
Susan Ryder, UK

I've just heard this album, and what can I say?, What a load of complete unimaginitive rubbish, what has happened to music in the last 4-5 years? How can a boy with not a single bit of musical talent make it this far in the record industry, it's sickening. I feel sorry for the generation of kids growing up right now who call this music, believe me you haven't lived
robin, uk

Why don't the people who slate try better... I am a radio producer and may not like that genre of music, I still feel he has some talent to have made it so far! I wish him the best... Living a dream is what it is all about. Dare I say that those who slate have no dreams of their own?
Gary Smith, UK

I found the album to be very deep. The lyrics really made me think about important political and ethical issues and the music is inovative and original...NOT!!!!
Martin, UK

Total and utter rubbish. Anyone that buys this album should take stock of their life and then get one.
David Blakeley, England

I think it says a lot that most of the positive reviewers here are in the 'mature' age range Carol, UK

Having read some of the reviews it is noticeable that the more 'mature' of us seem more likely to take a more rounded view of the album, rather than a completely biased one. I was also looking forward to this offering and have to say that, as with most albums done by one artist, it's a mixed bag of good and average. I applaud Gareth's attempt to 'spice up' the album and this works well for me, though I agree that it is too long. Comparisons with Will Young are nonsensical, as each has their own style. However, I would add that I was also looking forward to Will's album and I found that disappointing. Will has the stronger voice and admittedly the greater potential, but seems to be holding back for some reason. We were promised more of the 'umph' from him, but this hasn't happened yet, though I do like You and I, which will be his next single release.
David Elsey, England

I think it says a lot that most of the positive reviewers here are in the 'mature' age range. Gareth is easy-listening rubbish.
Carol, UK

How can people pay attention to this drivel when the new Alabama 3 album came out on the same day??
Steve, UK

I am an older buyer and I have not felt the urge to buy an album for about six years. Music is something that should touch your spirit and regardless of what so called music critics are bound to say Gareth's album is an album worth listening to. It shows off Gareth's vocal talents well. I do not pander to the school of thought which says that music has to be loud and has a message and gives you a headache. I think it is about time we stopped glorifying the so called original artists who seem to need drugs to induce their talents!Let's be proud of people like Gareth who can entertain and inspire the young to relise their dreams.

I love the funky elements of the album and the soulful ones. Having seen him perform live I have no doubt about his ability to hold my attention for many more years to come. Sentimental and With You All The Time are two which are my personal favourites at the moment but I think music is a something so personal that we can all enjoy different sides of it. Gareth 's album does more me than Oasis ever could .! I personally belive they are overrated
Ami, UK

I have waited so long for this album and I have not been disappointed. It is a lovely Album, so perfectly 'Gareth' which is what I wanted. I love the ballads, I love the upbeat songs and I adore Gareth's voice! He has given me an album that will never be out of my CD player! This album shows why 4.1 million people voted for him in Pop Idol. Well done Gareth! You've done us proud!
Matilda, Wales

I think Gareth looks cute and supported him on Pop Idol, but this album is dreary and rubbish, just a lot of sloppy songs and disco sounding stuff I I am very, very disappointed, as I was really wanting this album since Pop Idol ended but sorry Gareth, your album really sucks!
Abi, Lincs

'Pop Products' like Gates have no place in a musically progressive world Stew, UK

I rushed out to buy this but am now very disappointed. I quite like No Self Control and love Stupid Mistake, but the other stuff sounds all the same, except Alive, which I think is really bad! To think I wasted all that money for this rubbish, this is one gal who is no longer a Gaz fan ever!!
Shelly, England

This is the worst album I have ever heard and I work in the music industry. 'Pop Products' like Gates have no place in a musically progressive world.
Stew, UK

I am another non-teen who is revisiting pop thanks to Gareth. He is well above average in the pop stakes and makes me feel like a teenager again. It is not an album to change the world, but it does make it more fun to hang around the house. I agree with the reviewers comments that it is too long, but it has made an impression with me and is the best album I've bought for months. Gareth deserves his success and I hope he is around for a long time. Judging by the quality of his debut offering, he has a very bright future.
Heather, UK

Gareth's new album is brilliant and I rate it 10/10.He sings some lovely love songs such as One and Ever Love as that is my favourite track with Anyone Of Us(Stupid Mistake) and Suspicious Minds. Gareth well done on your debut album and I personally cannot wait until your next album is produced, congratulations and you should feel very proud of what you have achieved
Katie, UK

Yet another record company puppet releasing an album to be bought by another group of puppets - why do people put up with it?
Maff, UK

What a load of rubbish. Why does the record company insist on throwing good money at talentless performers? Is there any wonder Will won Pop Idol? He is a world apart from Gareth's trash.
Chelsea, England

I think it would be far safer and a lot kinder for me to simply say NO COMMENT, IT AINT WORTHY OF A COMMENT.
Joanne, England

It proves what his fans have known all along - Gareth is a star Elaine, England

I listened to Bruce Springsteen when I was 10 years old, Bob Dylan when I was 11 and Woody Guthrie when I was 12. They were MEN. Gareth Gates is a poodle, a fake. Anyone who buys his product (and make no mistake, he doesn't make music albums, he fronts a product like an Estee Lauder model) has been brainwashed. Resist! Save your money and your senses!!
Ru, UK

As another of Gareth's army of mature fans, I love his debut album, it proves what his fans have known all along - Gareth is a star!
Elaine, england

I am 14 years old and was a great fan of Gareth....although I love his voice, I think the new album takes away the individual and unique style in which Gareth sings and makes him just another everyday pop singer.
Jess, England

Boring, boring, boring, a very predictable album of technically enhanced tracks which show up the inadequacies in Gareth's voice, the first track is sickly sweet!!! In fact the whole album seems to drone on endlessly.I would give it 0/10.
Steve, UK

I love Gareth. His beautiful singing and good looks makes him the ultimate popstar. I am in Australia and cannot wait until he comes over here. The album is superb and is really kicking. I think that I am his greatest fan
Sean Furlong, Australia

Total waste of money and time! Gareth is aimed for the kids. His voice is more like a baby crying out....'I wanna be famous'! It is nothing to do about the singing. These days it is all about money and being famous! Bring back the classic and real pop singer and throw away these wannabees!!!!!!!!
Dan, UK

After hearing Gareth Gates' album and seeing him in concert I believe he has a great future ahead. He is very gifted, the songs are very upbeat, emotional and passionate. Gareth Gates will be around much longer than Will Young, and I look forward to seeing a lot more of him and seeing his talent grow.
Lisa Taylor, UK

To really take in the benefits of this disc, place it under that short leg of your coffee table to stop it wobbling.
Gareth, UK

What is wrong with nice songs nowadays? Inge Travers, UK

This isn't my bag, but there is little point in criticising puppets like GG and Will Young. It is those cynical money-grabbers pulling the strings that are to blame for the dire state of modern pop as exemplified by this album.
Alex B, UK

I think the album is fantastic! I've never been much of a pop fan until Gareth came onto the scene (I listen to rock/nu-metal & R&B/Garage music!) I bought the album & it is excellent! It is definitely one of the best (if not THE best) pop albums of the year & it deserves a lot more credit than your reviewer has given it! It definitely has a lasting impression on me!
Naz, U.K.

I have been playing this album all day. I am one of Gareth's older fans and I love this album. It is a lovely mix of ballads sung beautifully with his angelic voice and some great upbeat songs that one would not expect from Gareth. The title song is beautiful, and I love Sentimental and It Aint Obvious! Also love the ballad One and Ever Love. A lovely first Album! Can't wait for the next!
Jenny, UK

I am not a teenager but a grown woman and I love the album. What is wrong with nice songs nowadays?
Inge Travers, UK

Another in a long line of teeny pop idols whom adults will always ignore and kids will soon grow tired of.
Scott, UK

A load of rubbish! Is that the best they could come up with after all the hype?!
Rich Shane, UK

There's a good reason why Gareth came second in Pop Idol, and this is it.
Dave Chalkley, UK

Those that offer criticism should remember that Gareth is aimed at the teen market Jane, UK

I am pleasantly surprised with Gareth's debut album. It highly exceeds your average run-of-the-mill tat. His vocals are of an outstanding quality and the songs are pleasantly diverse ranging from R&B, classic pop and ballads. This proves beyond doubt that Gareth is far more than the 'Karaoke Kid', as some ridiculously label him.
David J Gray, Durham, UK

Boring, pointless, uninspiring... So this is what has become of the great British music industry? Messers Lennon, Bolan, et al must be turning in their graves
Neil Austin, UK

Unsurprisingly it s-s-s-sucks. Lets not forget that the public voted for Will and NOT G-G-G-Gareth and it's about time the record company investment in the respective artists reflected that.
John Smith, UK

A good debut from the cute Gareth. Those that offer criticism should remember that Gareth is aimed at the teen market. You would hardly ask a 13 year old to review the latest offering by Daniel O'Donnell or Andy Williams, would you?
Jane, UK