Young has proved that reality pop stars can break the mould. Having enjoyed a decade of consistent success and credibility, his new electro-flavoured album was made with hipster producer Richard X and has been earning him the best reviews of his career.

 

"Talent shows can – and do – give singers a massive boost to launch their careers but they need to be cleverly A&R-d and marketed if they are to survive," said Cardew. "Will Young is a great example of this: he's changed his sound and matured with his audience and his new album could be massive."

 

:w00t: They also need to be talented & drive their own career but I love the comments I've highlighted. :dance:

Edited August 26, 201113 yr by truly talented

I agree Shelly..it's a fab write up for Will, :heart: Gill i love those parts you've highlighted too...made me proud! :wub:

Loving Little write up and radio interview here..scroll down on the link to play the interview, he sounds shattered/hungover, :P bless him. :wub: they're reviewing his album tomorrow too.

Will Young is back with a bang and a brand new album Echoes. You can check him out tomorrow night on ITV for his tv special “A night with Will Young” directly after the X factor so you have to check him out.

I love him he’s always so down to earth when I meet him, for instance at the Olympia last year he was offering me a cup of tea during our chat.

He’ll play the Olympia on October 31st and mark my words he’s gona have the no 1 album by Sunday, so watch the space. Check out my chat with Will Young, What a legend.

http://www.98fm.com/2011/category-entertai...-young-on-98fm/

 

 

Also it's Just a little thing..but Swedish New York mag Dorian mentions Will's album in passing, exciting to see him mentioned

http://www.dorianmagazine.com/2011/news-orgy-2/

Edited August 26, 201113 yr by Sweetwilliamfan

Thanks for the reviews Bev and for finding the 98FM interview. someone mentioned it overon Baby D but weren't sure what it was :dance:

 

Also - thanks to Sue on Baby D for these :yahoo:

 

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6083092888_18d11f5891_z.jpg

 

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6083092540_0faa274bf6_z.jpg

 

How great do these look :wub:

Edited August 26, 201113 yr by munchkin

Thanks for the reviews Bev :dance:

 

Also - thanks to Sue on Baby D for these :yahoo:

 

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6083092888_18d11f5891_z.jpg

 

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6083092540_0faa274bf6_z.jpg

 

How great do these look :wub:

 

Thanks munchkin.

 

That's what I call advertising. :w00t: They must have cost a pretty penny. Shows the confidence in this album. :D

I think the last time he had such promo was with Keep On. Hoardings and on the back of buses too and one was all done in lights :D

Edited August 26, 201113 yr by munchkin

I think the last time he had such promo was with Keep On. Hoardings and on the back of buses too and one was all done in lights :D

 

I remember the huge advertising for Keep it On & Switch It On, even in Sunderland. :o

Hope you enjoy the album. It just gets better with every listen, definitely shades of George Michael in there. :wub:

Halfway through the album now and i'm definitely seeing the George Michael comparisons!

Halfway through the album now and i'm definitely seeing the George Michael comparisons!

 

Hi Chris, I do like GM he is a phenominal singer, i dont have his albums, he blew me away when he did the dont let the sun go down on me with Elton that was totally amazing, ive liked all his singles, my fav song on Wills album is Good things, which i think is the closest track to GM sound, and thats near the end so would love it if you would let us know your thoughts on that track :dance:

 

Yes it would be great to get some gigs next year..but i do wonder if he will be doing some overseas instead..it just all seems so likely at the moment, You made a good point about the next single being around Xmas time but i wonder if they will leave it so long? of course if Jealousy sticks around on airplay for a while that won't be a problem and as Will does seem to just love Echoes I'm hoping for four singles or is five too greedy?

I personally would love 'I just want a lover' to be single two as i can imgine it blasting out in all the clubs and he could have his first video involving a full on dance routine!

 

Bev i think youre right re the overseas promo and gigs, well i hope you are, its a fabulous thought, and we do have some tip offs :w00t: :w00t: i think we could hope for 4 singles, and thats a possibility, but im not sure we would get 5, he would not want to get tarred with the same brush as the likes of Kelly Clarkson as milking it, I personally would love as many singles as poss, but i do think 4 would be his limit. and Yes i would like I just want a lover to be single 2 too :w00t: :w00t:

 

QUOTE

Will Young: Echoes – Standout Track Runaway

 

It’s hard to believe it is nearly 10 years ago that Will Young won Britain’s Pop Idol. He has just released his fifth album Echoes, and it’s easily one of the best of 2011 so far!

 

The album strays far from the somewhat generic pop songs he is known for. In a bold move, he’s crafted 13 downtempo synth pop songs with producer Richard X, and come close to perfection in the process!One of the standout tracks is Runaway. I’ve literally had it on repeat all morning. I’m hoping that it is chosen as a single as I’m interested to hear some remixes, although I know they would have a hard time topping the original!

 

Thanks Bev loved reading this :w00t:

and i love the fact that so many different tracks are different peoples favourites :w00t:

and the close to perfection is just about right as i dont think hes got to the tip of the mountain yet, i love this album but i think theres more in him yet and i think we have more surprises to come on our journey :w00t:

 

QUOTE

scoutlookTony Bannister

Scout's Friday playlist: the new Will Young album "Echoes" we predict is gonna be BIG!

Oh god ive just gone off to dizzy heights reading that :w00t: :w00t: :w00t: :w00t: loving that, big in Aussie land :cheer:

 

Looks like Echoes is getting released in South Africa in Nov.

 

:w00t: :w00t: :w00t: :w00t: :cheer: :w00t: :w00t: :w00t:

 

Oh Sunday thanks for posting, going to self combust in a min lol, serves me right for not logging on till late tonight :rolleyes:

Edited August 26, 201113 yr by phil3579

Good luck Will for the charts on Sunday. Echoes is too good not to be No. 1! :dance:

 

Elaine

Echoes is pulling The Hits along with it - it's up to #31 on the Pop Album chart on ITunes and #96 on the main album chart :dance:

Echoes is pulling The Hits along with it - it's up to #31 on the Pop Album chart on ITunes and #96 on the main album chart :dance:

 

Watch it rise after the Special. :dance:

Another fab review that reviews track by track and one for our very long collection :heart:

From the Pop Music site..

Will Young – Echoes(Album Review)

http://www.trendingrecords.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Will-Young-Echoes-600x600.jpg

 

 

I have always considered Will Young to be one of my favourite artists. I grew up listening to his music as he too, grew and developed his sound. Ever since his Pop Idol days, I have loved him. There was just something very different about him that appealed to me and today, 9 years on it is no different.

 

Being one of Britain’s best pop acts, Will has always had the added pressure of living up to expectations and with every new album he has proved to be more than capable to reinvent and better himself. With Echoes, his fifth studio album, he does this yet again, even more successfully.

 

In his 30s now, he is considered to be at a turning point in his career. A point at where his sound transitions into more adult pop. The leap in sound is definitely a positive though, as this set proves he is ready to storm the charts once again.

 

“Take it all back/All that said/Comes out too fast,” Young blissfully sings on the album’s opening piano solo. Within 30 seconds of the track, the singer’s familiar delicate, soft voice returns to our airwaves and once again manages to win its way into our hearts. The chorus may be the highpoint and the only way I can describe it is breathtaking. Making way for spacey electronica and a synthesised melody, the singer bursts open singing “And it feels like jealousy/And it feels like I can’t breathe/And I’m on, down on my knees/And it feels like jealousy.” The songstress’ vocals soar without feeling overpowering. It is far more than a dance ballad though. Blending elegance, confidence and warmth together, it is really everything a comedown track should be.

 

When I had first heard the song over a month ago, I was impressed, but that was only the radio edit. Now, having heard the album version I am completely memorised. The original version adds much more depth and warmth to the track. But, perhaps the most clever the aspect to Jealousy is the fact that it is indeed very radio-friendly, but doesn’t sink to the mainstream sound. A very wise decision to make this the lead single. More than likely the reason it is currently sitting comfortably in the top ten on iTunes. I literally cannot fault this track. With its timeless production it is the definition of sophisticated disco.

 

Come On would be the perfect follow up single. Whilst, there is nothing immediately endearing or challenging about this track, it certainly one of the most infectious. It plays along the same ground as Jealousy, appealing to the public, but still staying true to albums roots. “Walk away, that’s what you do/And it looks like I’m somebody you, once knew“ he soothes over the bass line. “Come on/Come on/Come on/Come on,” he chants as the repetitive chorus plays out sprinkled with a dazzle of electronica.

 

Vocally, Would You Lie Next Me could be slated as Will at his strongest. The breathless track showcases the extent of his vocal range touching on his rich and deep tones to his rather fragile and soft ones. This is perhaps the most emotional, heartfelt piece as he yearns about an ex that he has just seen whom he is still in love with. Almost everything we have heard throughout his career rolled into one.

http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/642x390/w_z/will-young-642.jpg

On track four, we reach a personal favourite I Just Want A Lover. Departing from the longing, heartbreak ridden theme, a much more seductive and devilish Young is now present. Of course the best song is going to be about sex. It all always is. It also helps that the singer is incredibly hot *swoon*, but we are getting off track now..

 

Opening on sinful guitar strums paired with 80′s synths, Will coos ”I just want a lover to take away the pain/I just want a lover to full around again.” A blissful take on wanting to get laid. A slow paced, gorgeous late night dance number.

 

We then suddenly go very Pet Shop Boys with Runaway. I have mixed feelings about this track. It is very nice and sped up would make a fine addition to the dancefloor, but apart from that, it isn’t all that amazing. Its a grower though. Probably the weakest of the set, but that’s not to say it is bad, because it certainly isn’t. Leaving the dance floor for Outsider, Will Young may be at his most vulnerable yet. It is, with it’s simplicity, a dazzlingly beautiful piece of music. Pairing Will’s timid vocals with just a piano has always been a working formula. Complete with layered Oohs, he sings about being out of place. ”I’m an outsider, standing on the lonely ground,” he cries. Haunting. Think of it as the male version of Adele’s Hometown Glory(yes, it’s that good).

 

Silent Valentine, for me is the album’s highpoint. If not, a highpoint of his entire career. The lovely, laid back track is a song about secrecy, loss and the object of desire. “You’ll always be my silent valentine,” he echoes over the downtempo beats. It is one of few songs that gives the listen a warm feeling. This is the track that would have everyone in a stadium swaying, moved and lost in complete awe. I could listen to this nights on end and never grow tired. It is truly wonderful.

 

We have now crossed over to uptempo territory with Losing Myself. Within the first five seconds, it is more than obvious this track relies heavily on 80s influences, such as the Pet Shop Boys again. Lead by spacey synths, Young sings ”I really don’t know how/Please won’t you tell me now, why I’m losing myself,“ in the most upbeat manner.

 

Personal Thunder is another personal favourite of mine. See what I did there? *raises eyebrow* The classy, torch song features delicate electro tips and moody guitar strums that blend very well with the singer’s vocal. With an uplifting chorus, it would be another great collection to BBC Radio 2‘s playlist. It is one of the most evident tracks as Will sings about fighting back and not letting yourself be contained, and especially on this track his emotion is conveyed particularly well.

http://mag.bent.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Will_young.jpg

Hearts on Fire is the first time on Echoes where its feels we are leaving sad disco to something of a proper dance track, but doesn’t stray to far afield, playing along the same themes. Featuring riveting, deluded beats it is one of a very relaxing nature. That is until we get to the chorus which is probably the most explosive we are going to get with this album. The harp-like synths and tripping, ticklish beats add a certain warmth to will’s vocals and give it the extra lift off to become truly transcending. Naturally this is an obvious single choice.

 

As we reach the three conclusive tracks, we are also met with the most upbeat ones. Happy Now, not to be confused with a recent Take That effort, begins with airy, Coldplay-esique guitar strums that are then consumed with a very bluesy set of drums. The chorus is very understated with Will’s set of chords being nothing over than sublime. I can’t quite exactly put my finger on it, but there is something about this song that reminisces of Feeling Good, only with a modern twist.

 

Good Things come to those who wait! Track #12 is giving me serious early 90s vibe which obviously means this is amazing. For my first reaction to the song goes a little like this: Oh. Ooh. Ooooooooooh. I mean its just so groovy and this is just perfect for the dancefloor. With a sizzling bass and repetitive piano chords, it will have you on your feet in no time.

 

The set is brought to a eerie close with Safe from Harm. The songstress actually spoke about this track recently, stating that this felt like his most personal track and this totally comes across. You can really feel what he is singing as he discusses keeping yourself safe from negative people by putting immediate distant between you and them. The song feels sad, but once reached its climax is nothing but a triumph. “I could run away,” Young he sooths on the last note as the troubled guitar strum fades and the listener is left breathless.

 

Echoes is quite simply a masterpiece and perhaps Will’s best so far. It is everything it stands for: classy, soft & moving and provides what most albums these days can’t - fluidity. It doesn’t feel contrived. There is not a number of tracks that succeed the rest. Is wasn’t made with three or four definite single and the rest just thrown in as fillers. They all are of very high quality and work well together. On it’s opening week, the effort has enjoyed #1 status on iTunes, so it has a real chance of topping the chart which it so solely deserves. Working with Richard X has felt like a necessary, natural step in his career, as at album #6 shows no sign of stopping.

http://popmusicmagic.wordpress.com/2011/08...esalbum-review/

Thanks Bev. Fab review. :yahoo: I'll add it tour collection.

I really am considering getting tour tickets (it'll be the second time I saw him live).

 

"Jealousy" is one of my favourite songs this year, I can't quite figure out if I prefer the album version or single.

I really am considering getting tour tickets (it'll be the second time I saw him live).

 

"Jealousy" is one of my favourite songs this year, I can't quite figure out if I prefer the album version or single.

 

I like pefer the longer album version & Alias remix. :dance:

 

Hope you can manage to get a ticket?

Thanks to Ags on D

 

 

 

SINGLES...

Olly - number 1 ... 109,151 sales

Calvin.. number 2.. 87,845 sales

Maroon 5 - number 3... 58,062 sales

Wretch - number 4,, 56,501 sales

WILL YOUNG - Jealousy - Number 5.... 53,224 sales

 

 

 

WILL YOUNG - NUMBER 1 ... 65,773 sales

 

Joe - Number 2 ... 35, 609 sales

 

Adele - Number 3 ... 35, 236 sales

Edited August 28, 201113 yr by Jester
Edited back in now the chart is over!

Oh! shame about Jealousy falling so near to the finish line. :( fab to see him top five though..

Echoes way ahead of the pack..first week sales not too shabby, going by the climate...hope he can do another 65k next week!

Looks like Joe held on by the skin of his teeth! Adele almost had him.

 

Saw this on Amazon.

Echoes is still at one and The Hits is number 16 on Amazon bestsellers list :lol:

 

Also On the Movers and shakers list..

5 The Hits..

6 Let it go

8 From Now On

:dance:

Got a poorly keyboard so using a on-screen keyboard :roll: but had to limp on say that I am over the moon and thrilled with Wiil reaching no 1 :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

 

love

Di

xxx

Thanks sunday - good sales for him - hope he can sell over a long period now :yahoo:

 

And in today's climate a #1 seems to pull more weight than the actual sales. :P

 

QUOTE(munchkin @ Aug 27 2011, 05:13 PM) *

Echoes is pulling The Hits along with it - it's up to #31 on the Pop Album chart on ITunes and #96 on the main album chart :dance:

 

 

Watch it rise after the Special. :dance:

 

You were right TT - it's sitting at #12 on the ITunes album chart and has re-entered the official album at #56 :dance:

Edited August 28, 201113 yr by munchkin

Three years since let It Go and he can come back with a number one album..when you think about it that's incredible for any artist but even more so when that artist is from a talent show and had been written off as any sort of current contender. :dance: Chuffed by his back catalogue too!