May 31, 201510 yr Bought this album Friday - finally got chance to listen to it today and giving it a back to back listen as I am impressed with it! Like the mix of upbeat and ballads - defintely worth the wait!! I love him.
May 31, 201510 yr Author Bought this album Friday - finally got chance to listen to it today and giving it a back to back listen as I am impressed with it! Like the mix of upbeat and ballads - defintely worth the wait!! I love him. Welcome to the Will forum. Think you'll find everyone feels the same. :wub:
May 31, 201510 yr Author Wow!!!! :yahoo: The Digital Fix Will Young - 85% Proof In Review17:11 on 31st May 2015By Gary Kaill Retaining a shed load of kudos for being the only Pop Idol (ask your mum) contestant to properly tell Cowell to go f*** himself, the most credible and enduring product of the talent show conveyor continues to mock the whole sorry, disintegrating exercise by being, you know, good. It might have taken him a couple of albums of suits-satisfying stodge to hit his stride but, as demonstrated by a switch from his stock-in-trade robust balladry to the crisp, electro-influenced sheen of 2011's Echoes, the only game Will Young is playing, nearly 15 years after he upset both the bookies and Gareth Gates' (again, ask your mum) dreams of stardom, is his own. If lead single 'Love Revolution' (a slab of Ronson-esque robo-soul engineered around the guts of Tomcraft's trance behemoth 'Happiness') has done its job, new paymasters Island should be laughing all the way to their AGM. On paper, it's unholy folly but, sporting sharp, Stax-y remodelling, it's a scene-setting blast. 'U Think I'm Sexy' goes Prince with both title and groove. 'Promise Me', whose frantic rhythms are a beat away from drum and bass, makes for a trio of bustling big 'uns. But it’s the ballads that shine this time around, not least the grandeur and candour of 'Thank You' whose catalogue of love crimes doesn’t speak at all well for the accused, Young switching the hook to a whispered "f*** you…" at its close. Throughout, of course, he sings like the stupidly gifted genius that his Gates-loving (Gatesgate?) sulky ex-paymaster somehow never quite dared admit. If you're one of those difficult-to-please types who bleats about their love for "good" pop, pop but only when it's "done well", here's your precious 'pop' in an uncommonly advanced guise, expertly executed. True to its name, 85% Proof is a heady and bewitching brew, superior by far to its watered-down, mainstream equivalents. Seek it out because it's soulful, intelligent and inventive in ways it really has no right to be. Buy it, not for the Will Young fan in your life but for someone who, like the worst kind of bore, still bemoans his dodgy provenance. And do see him live where the voice gets to really shine and his easy charm continues to fool his legion of largely female fans that they're still in with a chance. 8.0 A heady and bewitching brew. http://music.thedigitalfix.com/content/id/...l#ixzz3bjYpkLTR
May 31, 201510 yr He's only gone and done it, :yahoo: :dance: :cheer: :w00t: Bursting with pride here :wub:
May 31, 201510 yr Great so chuffed for him :wub: :cheer: :dance: And thanks for that great review TT - :dance: Edited May 31, 201510 yr by munchkin
June 3, 201510 yr Author From IN 10 magazine, The Sunday Post. 85% Proof Will Young "After a four-year musical hiatus, the former Pop Idol winner Will Young is back with his sixth studio album. At first listen, 85%Proof has two stand-out tracks - Love Revolution and U Think I'm Sexy- the former being the first single to be released from the album. Pop-soul track Love Revolution, sampling Tomcraft's 2003 dance anthem Loneliness, has a carefully crafted vintage feel, perfect for lazy summer evenings. This is largely a ballad album, Like A River has a thumping riff, constant throughout and lending an almost dark twist on what you'd normally expect from a former reality show winner, with Young's falsetto tone used to great effect. Overall a good listen, the 36-year old singer has found his stride and musically comes of age, having crafted a collection of songs that feel like they've been around for a long time. " Our verdict **** Proof that talent show winners needn't be one-hit wonders.
June 3, 201510 yr Author Music OMH Will Young – 85% Proof (Island) UK release date: 25 May 2015 by Michael Hubbard | posted on 1 Jun 2015 in albums Will Young - 85% ProofReviews of Will Young‘s albums these days fall into two distinct camps; those who must mention that he first became famous on some TV talent contest long forgotten and ignore the passing of time since, and others who accept that, as he ventures into his second major label deal, he’s more than just a pretty – and these days hirsute – face; a career that’s lasted well over a decade in pop world, that most fickle of places, surely has something of note about it. Young isn’t so young these days, but on the evidence of 85% Proof, his sixth album, he’s maturing like the finest bottle of scotch. By down the years changing the bare minimum of his formula for success – universally vague lyrical sentiment over seemingly new yet always somehow familiar soul-tinged pop music – and evolving only at a pace his audience can keep up with, he is making his career last. With a few exceptions, 85% Proof’s songs – and much of his material to date – are unremarkable pop factory fare, but they’re polished with loving care and showcase the one thing above all else Young has always had going for him; that unmistakable voice. Having left Sony, where he’s been berthed since his first release, and signing with Island, his star status – at least in his homeland – is again underlined. This is a talent contest winner, lest we forget, who’s been in a film with Judi Dench, appeared as a panelist on Question Time and taken the role of the MC in Cabaret on a London stage, and he’s here demonstrating the professionalism he brings to all of these outings. To some it will all be limply dull but, in its absolutely focused and uncompromising way, it’s curiously admirable. It is certainly true that these songs are not going to change the world any time soon. U Think I’m Sexy doesn’t know whether to agree with or scoff at the idea. Love Revolution sounds less like an insurrection of the heart and more like a cat being molested, while Gold conversely is so sedate as to be on its back making mewling noises as its tummy is tickled and its paws punch the air. Promise Me sounds like an Emeli Sandé outtake; Thank You covers similar territory, all gospelly ladies, Coldplay-lite piano and shimmy not-ever-too-fast beats. When you bring nice Will home to meet your mother and prod him to do his thing and get singing, this is the material the old lady will instantly love. In amongst all this are those reminders that straightforward melodies and a unique voice maketh not only a great song but, in Young’s case, a man and his career. He’s able to sound strident one moment and incredibly vulnerable the next, and never does he seem to be acting. Opener Brave Man is a case in point – a classic Young track that shows the way to the latter-day likes of Sam Smith, it lets his typically intelligent interpretation of the lyrics emote naturally and without histrionics (he’s never one for those). Later on, Like A River sports some attention-grabbing falsetto crooning over a needling guitar riff, insistent bass drum and stark piano notes, reminding of Older era George Michael. It’s in this world that he’s most comfortable; as with Jealousy, from his last album Echoes, I Don’t Need A Lover transcends its shiny, pop-to-order surroundings and dazzles. But what 85% Proof is, above all, is comfortable, with all the pros and cons that entails. While it’d have been nice to hear some different musical explorations underpinning that soaraway voice – Fred Falke‘s remixes of two of Young’s tracks a few years ago hinted at a chillout dance vibe that suited him superbly – and he could do with at least one earwormy banger with which to remind the world beyond the high society calendar of the Home Counties that he’s more than just a well-spoken crooner with a pleasing face, 85% Proof will delight fans that these days include royals, celebrities and not a few music snobs who’d otherwise have thought themselves rather above such inoffensive, polished pop fare.
June 4, 201510 yr Author Music News.com Will Young 85% Proof added: 3 Jun 2015 // release date: 1 Jun 2015 // label: Island Records reviewer: David Spencer Will Young - 85% Proof - Printable version Although it is just over a decade since Will Young shot to fame, it is remarkable to think how much times have changed. Pop Idol was so much more innocent, seemingly less corrupted by corporate demands. Even though it was 2002, Young couldn't even be thoroughly open about his sexuality, which now seems quite extraordinary. Since then Young's career has always been more interesting than your standard talent show winner. This is his sixth studio album, but first with a new label and an album he says he's always wanted to make. So what's changed in the four years since his last record? It appears that Young has done a lot of growing up. On opening Brave Man, he talks of scars from "years gone by" and perhaps there has been some collateral damage from this maturing. Over his last few records there have been hints of the direction Young could settle on but it was the sublime collaboration with Groove Armada (History) that showed what he could do. Brave Man is exactly that kind of song. Young's voice still has that vulnerability that captured the housewife vote in 2002, but mixed with sweeping melodies and dance rhythms it gains extra depth. Album highlight Like A River displays this to full effect, a track with a thumping under current, wonderfully produced and lending itself to dance mixes. The closer Dare captures the same sensual mood. If only Young could do more of this. Elsewhere there's a little too much simple pop, as if he feels the need to still keep some of those original fans happy. There's the Take That pounding of Blue, while Joy is the sought of song he should have stopped doing 10 years ago. Better though is the single Love Revolution, with its Motown feel and Promise Me's extra subtlety and emotion. While not quite the album it could have been, 85% Proof shows that Young is still a serious artist for us Brits to be proud of. Most of all the album exudes confidence. Given this sure footing, Young could be heading towards bigger and better things. Stay updated with your free Music News daily newsletter. Subscribe here now! Edited June 4, 201510 yr by truly talented
June 6, 201510 yr Author Good detailed Review. Thanks to Janet. Renowned for Sound. ALBUM REVIEW: WILL YOUNG – 85% PROOF Published On June 6, 2015 | By Andja Curcic | Music British singer-songwriter Will Young has released an abundance of successful albums in the UK after taking out Pop Idol in 2002. Young continues his exploration of the electro pop sound in previous album Echoes with his latest album 85% Proof. The album is brought together by a motif of echoic sound and reverberated piano which fills in the empty sound created by a lack of layers. Each track has a nice detail of variety which ultimately makes the simplistic lyrics come alive. Will Young 85 ProofThe first track Brave Man opens with dramatic vocal reverb and a thumping bass. With the entering of cinematic-style strings in the chorus, the track finds a climactic and dramatic sound that feels immensely empowering. This is one of the best tracks on the album because it really connects with an idea and builds and breaks the string motif. Promise Me uses the generic four chord formula and begins with a ballad-style only to kick into electro full swing. This song is a great change from the first track and the running drum beat adds a layer of change to the rhythm of the album. Love Revolution changes to a funkier style complete with twangy guitar, funky bass and a vintage filter on the vocals. This track is a fun throwback that surprisingly stays true to the genre. You Think I’m Sexy continues the funk vibe, however with a greater focuses on the good ol’ trumpet hook. This track definitely shows a complexity in musical production with a collection of different sounds that magically blend. Gold slows down the pace with a calm ballad that is filled with emotion. Like A River tackles the bass drum kick and really showcases Young’s vocals. Joy is the only track that is disappointing with a strikingly underwhelming sound the feels a little too Broadway musical. I Don’t Need A Lover is the best track on the album as it really accentuates Young’s vocals with a beautiful falsetto and dark ambient style. The track is lyrically simplistic but mesmerising in musical atmosphere. What eventuates in this track is a heart-wrenching song that rings universal in its bittersweet tale of love. Overall, 85% Proof is a really good electro pop album that while tame in many of its songs, shows how a simplistic idea can achieve great things in a focus on musical production. The tracks in this album have layered complexity with motifs that fade in and out and create a colourful musical experience. While every track may not be a mainstream hit, the theme that Young explores is evident and is successful in telling a story. Young explores and transcends ambient pop with a album filled with heart and one that doesn’t feel like an album from a previous talent show winner. - See more at: http://renownedforsound.com/index.php/albu...h.K0oM3cOz.dpuf I've pinned a reviews thread.
June 6, 201510 yr Good detailed Review. Thanks to Janet. I've pinned a reviews thread. I saw that one earlier. Nice to see such a detailed description of the music. I don't know why Joy comes in for criticism when reviewers don't mention Blue.
July 11, 201510 yr Author Will tweeted yesterday that the album was released in Germany. Will Young @will_young31 15h15 hours ago Hello Deutschland!! Very excited to say that my album 85% Proof is officially out in Germany today! http://po.st/85proofDelTw Just wish he was doing some promotion.
July 21, 20159 yr Author It's shot up on iTunes in the last hour was #80 when I last looked. Must be being helped by the new advert. :dance:
July 21, 20159 yr Author Amazon cd #24 (really 16) :cheer: Edited July 21, 20159 yr by truly talented
July 21, 20159 yr Amazon digital Standard version #41 it was #107 this afternoon ( also the mp3 album price has been dropped to £6.99)
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