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Bristol

Review: Will Young more than a pop idol
By The Bristol Post | Posted: November 23, 2015

It's eleven years since I last saw Will Young at Colston Hall and I can still remember queuing outside the old Box Office on Colston Street to snap up my tickets. That 2004 appearance marked the singer's very first national solo tour after winning ITV's Pop Idol (like The X Factor but without Cheryl); indeed, he had quickly endeared himself to the nation thanks to a unique voice and a seemingly innocent charm. Unlike most winners of Simon Cowell's TV talent shows, Will Young has managed to stay the course, proving himself to be an artist of great conviction, bringing his own sensibility, personality and artistic vision to his music.

Flash forward to 2015 and Will has recorded a sixth studio album (85% Proof) and returned to Colston Hall on Friday night as part of his twenty-two date 'Love Revolution' tour, which comes to an end in London later this month. That sixth album, his first for Island Records, went straight to Number One in the album chart when it was released in the summer and its songs formed the heart of Friday's set-list, alongside a good many hits from the back catalogue (much to the delight of fans). Many of the new songs find the artist looking inward, reflecting on recent emotional chapters in his life, with songs about self-acceptance, empowerment and the pursuit of happiness. 'Thank You' and 'Like A River' offered up some of the more poignant and beautiful performances of the evening, with Will's vocals as rich as ever, while the likes of 'Love Revolution' and 'Joy' delivered just that (helped along by a shower of ticker-tape).

With all of his self reflection in mind, it seemed we were watching an artist totally at ease with himself and comfortable in his skin; a new found swagger and confidence perhaps, but no less beguiling, charming and cheeky. This was still the Will Young we'd fallen in love well over a decade ago, but with a little more zeal and theatricality. You can always rely on him to put on a great show, though, with the five-strong band and talented trio of backing singers emphasisng just how seriously he takes his music, not to mention striking lighting and occasional quirks (stage-hands in white bio-hazard suits for e.g.). Will was himself dressed in a black, sleeveless, japanese jumpsuit - which made him look part preacher, part samurai.

While on past tours Will has invited up and coming singer-songwriters to provide support, this time we were treated to the familiar face, and voice, of Lemar. He may have only reached third place in Fame Academy (the BBC's lacklustre attempt to compete with Pop Idol in 2002), but Lemar went on to overshadow both the winner and runner up with chart topping albums and singles, including the hit 'If There's Any Justice.' That song was present and correct in a short set that featured classic cover tracks from his hotly anticipated new album The Letter. Lemar's distinctly soulful voice cast its spell and his rapport with the room was immediate; rare for a support artist. He was a good match for Will Young, whose love for the great soul and funk artists of bygone years informs so much of his own music-making.

So, two great British artists for the price of one in Bristol on Friday, both proving they are so much more than the pop stars they were set up to be.

http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Review-Young-...tail/story.html

Manchester

Review: Will Young @ Manchester O2 Apollo

Katie Fitzpatrick on the former Pop Idol winner's new direction

5*

When Will Young appears on stage standing behind a transparent screen, wearing a small man bun and black Samurai outfit, I look past him at first.

His interesting new look might be unrecognisable. But when he opens his mouth to sing Brave Man, pelted by a fake blizzard, we know for sure it's our Pop Idol winner.

After winning Simon Cowell's first singing contest way back in 2002, Will has diversified his successful singing career with acting roles on stage and screen.

So it's great to have this likeable, talented and funny chap back on tour, showcasing that terrifically unique and powerful voice to celebrate his 85% Proof album.

And he's back with more confidence, an extra bounce in his step and a new set of biceps to entertain us with a cracking set of songs including the bass-driven country funk of Switch It On and the glorious new soul banger U Think I'm Sexy.

As well as being a great singer, he's a comedian too, playfully cracking jokes in between songs, chatting to the audience and handing out gifts of a teddy bear, towels and T-shirts with a big grin.

He takes us back to where it all began on Pop Idol with his moody jazz lounge version of Light My Fire. It was this song that judge Cowell wrongly described as "distinctly average" to an amazed studio audience and fans at home and prompted Will to stand up for himself with the cool reply "I don't think you could ever call that average."

The soaring early hits You and I and Who Am I and the theatrical Your Game showcase that powerful voice in full flight.

Grace, otherwise known as the song from the Natwest advert, is joyful uplifting gospel and Jealousy is a crescendoing slice of sad-pop disco, perfect for Will's stirring vocals.

Another favourite of the night is the finger-clicking Motown-esque Love Revolution, a re-working of the trance track Loneliness by German DJ Tomcraft.

With all these fabulous songs it's easy to lose track of what's missing but a Will Young show wouldn't be complete without his beautiful anthem Leave Right Now to end the night.

His album might be 85% Proof but he gives us 100 per cent pure entertainment.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/wha...ter-o2-10484873

This post has been edited by truly talented: Nov 23 2015, 08:03 PM