Posted September 16, 200816 yr Decided to start separate threads for the single & album reviews as it woudn't allow me to post any more blocks of text. Music week playlist - Changes Will Young Changes (19) Co-written with Eg White, Changes is a stunning mid-tempo pop song with an utterly timeless quality; a song that will delight his older fans and younger supporters alike.MSN Will Young: "Changes" Remember Will Young? He's returning with some sophisticated pop soul http://estb.msn.com/i/38/131E4F642E5DC3B1F6E7E74BA4F2F.jpg Will Young: "Changes" © RCA Will puts in another faultless vocal performance on a song from forthcoming album Let It Go, which he co-wrote. It has a kind of George Michael-style (post-Wham! of course) sophistication to the production with The London Studio Orchestra providing strings, while the melody is typically gentle but quietly effective. Whether Will still has a fanbase in these transient times remains to be seen but, on this evidence, he's still doing what he does best. Star Magazine http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i142/nodgersboots/STARMAGCHANGES.jpg DIGITAL SPY Will Young: 'Changes' Released on Monday, September 22 2008 By Nick Levine, Music Editor Will Young kicked off his last album campaign with a noisy, clattering single and a video that sent up the homo-erotic elements of Top Gun (i.e. most of it). This time around, having been away from the charts for nearly two-and-a-half years, he's taking no chances, leading with a very tasteful, very adult pop song. Actually, 'Changes' is a close-ish relation to James Morrison's 'You Give Me Something' - no surprise really, seeing as both were penned by chart-friendly songwriter Eg White. Excitement is conspicuous in its absence, but there's an intriguing hint of desolation lurking just beneath the radio gloss ("Hope my life changes, gets alright somehow") and, like Young himself, this has class and dignity to burn. 3 *** out of 5
September 18, 200816 yr BBC Radio 1 chart blog Will Young - 'Changes' Fraser McAlpine 18 Sep 08, 11:17 AM Is there some kind of third album jinx surrounding former Idol winners that we should be warning people about? Admittedly, I'm basing this pretty much entirely on Will Young and Kelly Clarkson, but as the two most famous Idol winners in UK chart terms, it's an interesting similarity. Not that either's third album was that unsuccessful, but they did both seem to underperform in comparison to their predecessors - particularly in the performance of the singles where Will is concerned, it being his first album not to yield a No.1 record. I wondered if perhaps releasing a song like 'Switch It On' as the lead single was too much of a change of pace, and that put people off? (You can watch the video in Big-O-Scope over at Will's official site...) Anyway, the past is the past and I'm not being paid to talk about that (or indeed, at all). 'Changes' marks Will's return to Popsville after a two-year gap. Was it worth the wait? On the whole, I reckon. I'll admit that when I first heard it, I was distinctly underwhelmed by it. I thought the chorus was weak and ineffectual, and that the song as a whole lacked oomph - forgive me if I'm blinding you with technical jargon here. But as much of a cop-out as it sounds, I think this one's a grower. My second listen left me involuntarily smiling while I was listening, my third had me humming along. And really, isn't that what a good song should do? Will puts his lovely upper register to fine use in the middle eight, and his vocals on the chorus are honeyed and heartfelt, and what I took for weakness on my first listen now feels more like subtlety, which is an undervalued currency in pop, I reckon. So I hereby recant my initial assessment and declare this to be Really Quite Good. Also, the video has a random moment where he lamps a farmer for no real reason, which amuses me. Tiny things and all that... **** 4 stars Download: Out now CD Released: September 22nd www.willyoung.co.uk www.myspace.com/willyoung (Steve Perkins) Birmingham mail "Changes" - Will Young Please, someone slap me. Very hard! I am not going to give a Will Young song more than one star. I'm just not. I can't, can I? But the thing is, I heard this and thought it was quite decent and THEN I was told it was by Will Young. So I was conned into liking it. I don't like it at all really... *** Will Young is one of the few winners of the whole Simon Cowell reality show (Pop Idol, X-Factor) phenomenon to emerge from it all with a career. Not only that but he’s become accepted as an artist in his own right rather than merely the winner of Pop Idol 2002. Well, at least until folk like me mention it in reviews of his new single. Apart from the glamorously dull Leona Lewis, Young is really only Cowell manufactured artist to stand the test of time. Where are the likes of Gareth Gates, Steve Brookstein, and Michelle McManus now? Hell, forget them, whatever happened to last year’s winner Leon Jackson? This new song is titled simply Changes, and it’s probably Will Young’s best song since Leave Right Now, which was incidentally written in collaboration with the same guy. Both the song and the video are quite inspiring, and leave you with a floaty happy feeling that your life isn’t so bad after all. The song is actually quite subtle, with each verse being suitably downplayed in preparation for the uplifting and radio-friendly chorus which gets in your ear and stays there for a good few hours. The bassline follows the same pattern, lulling you in to a false sense of minimalist security before the big chorus punches you in the back of the head. The video is a strange one, showing Young in a gas station, then in his house, before finishing with him frolicking in the hay as everything burns down around him. It ends with him getting struck violently with lightning, before he experiences a kind of rebirth in to the new man he clearly wants to become. Changes is a classic slice of pop that proves that Will Young isn’t going anywhere, any time soon. The single was released on September 15th, 2008 in the UK, and is the forerunner to his new album, Let It Go, which is due out on September 29th. On this showing, it should be a fine record. Song: 9/10 Video: 8/10 http://britmusicscene.com/will-young-chang...c-video-review/ Edited September 26, 200816 yr by truly talented
September 23, 200816 yr From this week's Heat:- Music Review Singles Will Young ~ Changes Will's dramatic new video may be all about burning motorbikes, flaming chairs and Will (quite literally) smouldering in a suit that all but catches fire. But what about this single - the first from his brand new album Let It Go? Well its Will at his best, showcasing that emotional voice over a confident, mid-paced, soulful crooner with a coolly funky beat and swish piano licks. Changes we reckon, is seriously classy * * * * * (5 Stars) PS:- putting the 5* in bold is my doing. :lol: Edited September 23, 200816 yr by chrysalis
September 23, 200816 yr And one from this week's NEW mag. Have to thank Ruthie on D for both this and the Heat review. NEW MAG Singles of the Week Changes **** ( four stars) When we heard that Will's new song was called Changes, we hoped it was a cover of the Bowie classic. It's not, but it's still fab, packed with soul and great vocals Bit silly of them to say that. As if nowadays Will would bring out a cover for a single. Long gone is 2002. But good review all the same.
November 27, 200816 yr DIGITAL SPY ]Will Young: 'Grace' Released on Monday, December 1 2008 By David Balls Like a good cheese, Will Young has taken a few years to mature. So much so, in fact, that comparing the music he released after winning Pop Idol in 2001 to his recent output is like comparing a cheap cheddar to an organically produced Brie de Meaux. 'Grace', the second single to be lifted from his Let It Go album, is a case in point. A lightly funky, jazz-tinged slice of adult pop, this quietly powerful song sees Young offer a covert caution to what is presumably a former flame. "Oh, all these people you hurt along the way will haunt you now," he sings ominously. Yet more proof, if any were needed, that Young is one of British pop's classiest acts. __________________ DAILY MUSIC GUIDE Will Young - Grace (Sony BMG) Grace is the second single to be released from the Pop Idol winner's new album, Let It Go, due on 1st December. A confident mid-tempo ballad, ‘Grace’ (taken from his fourth studio album) shows a more mature style than previous hits. The delicate piano melody compliments Young’s vocals and the soft but steady drum beat, which remains all the way through; you cant help but tap your feet. Musically, 'Grace' keeps it simple, with the lyrics picturing a journey about meeting someone who fools you into believing they’re someone they’re not, and who ultimately pays for their mistake. The chorus' whoa whoa’s (listen to the track and you’ll know when you hear it) will stay in your head even if you don’t want them to, and the lyrics are surprisingly memorable. Young has played it safe by producing a rather predictable release. Despite this, 'Grace' is one of the album’s standout tracks: an uplifting anthem featuring a foot-tapping hook and heartfelt lyrics. 'Grace' won’t astound fans, but it will surely keep them happy. As for attracting new ones? If you don’t love him by now - six years after he first rose to fame on a TV talent show - then you probably never will. Will Young is currently playing twenty UK dates, closing at London’s Roundhouse on 13th December. Grace is released on 1st December. Find out more about the single in an interview with Will Young conducted exclusively for the Daily Music Guide. Rating: 3.5/5 http://www.dailymusicguide.com/Reviews/wil...12008_1839.aspx[/size]
December 2, 200816 yr Author Thanks to Ruthie. Star Mag Piccy of Will and the cd with the caption “Grace is a magical uptempo ballad” then the writing is:- Will Young ~ Grace Will releases another charming single this week. With its infectious hook and Willy’s riveting vocals, Grace is a magical uptempo ballad, following in the footsteps of his last hit single, Changes. Will has experimented with many different sounds during his career – Switch It on Anyone? – but this is definitely the one he should stick with. And no, Grace isn’t a love interest – it’s a friends daughter ! * * * * ( 5 stars)
December 4, 200816 yr Thanks to Sunday :P on D for this one: SINGLE OF THE WEEK: WILL YOUNG - GRACE 1st December 2008 By Sarah-Louise James Your Shout ( 0 ) AFTER Will performed this on the X Factor, it bounded up the charts on downloads. Now it's got its physical release it should see it pound up the charts even further. Grown up and classy, Grace has sophistication written up its middle like a stick of Blackpool rock. However, what starts off as the perfect background music to a grown-up dinner party soon builds into an irresistible crescendo of strings and soaring vocals. Lovely stuff http://www.dailystar.co.uk/music/view/61125/
February 11, 200916 yr Reviews for Let it Go - single and video. All thanks to the intrepid Devotees - Mrs Soul, melle, sunday, rosj and JanetL. Will Young: Let It Go By Joseph C Seager 2.5 * out of 5 I've always kind of liked Will Young's tracks, mostly the upbeat ones such as 'Your Game', 'Switch It On' and the recent 'Grace'. I'm not such a fan of the slower ones he brings out. His voice is great but his energy in the up-tempo tracks is far paramount. This third single from his current album of the same name will be his last physical release, as everyone is now going digital. I'm not totally bowled over by it. It feels more like an album track than a single to take on the charts with, but no doubt it'll be a success. You can't take away anything from Mr Young. A 2008 UK tour playing to over 50,000 screaming fans, a glorious return to reality TV as he performed on the X Factor - propelling his album up the charts, turning it into his fourth consecutive platinum album -and then finally, on New Year's Eve, joining Elton John at the O2 arena. 'Let It Go' will be released with exclusive tracks recorded at London's Cadogan Hall, including Will's cover of 'Help Me' by Joni Mitchell. Constantly on the go, continuously changing his sound and delivering great performances, Will Young is already booked in to have some political chats on BBC One's Question Time, and in March will be the subject of a Southbank special. 'Let It Go' will no doubt rocket up the charts and give him more recognition that he deserves, I just don't think this is as great as his other recent outings http://www.leedsmusicscene.net/article/10334/Will Young - Let It Go (RCA) Last year's Let it Go album saw a return to form for Will Young after a long break following 2005’s disappointing Keep On. Suddenly he was back in the hearts of thousands of housewives, especially thanks to the impeccable single 'Grace'. This is the third single and, of course, the title track, so it must have some significance to Will. Once again it is produced by Eg White and has a sumptuous string backing, after starting with gentle acoustic guitar. Will’s voice sounds at its vulnerable best, whilst also displaying a strong range for the more powerful moments. Will has been far more involved in the song writing process for this album and so it’s hard to ignore the autobiographical feel to this track: he keeps telling himself not to get too stressed and just "let it go". It is good advice, and you wonder what the "simple things in life" are that keep getting him so wound up. Listening and reading interviews with the singer, it seems he’s been taking life a little too seriously at times and this is his little bit of therapy to remind himself to just chill. ‘Let it Go’ is unlikely to attract new fans, but then Will doesn’t really need them. As his recent tour of smaller venues shows, he seems very happy with his audience and they are certainly very happy with him. Just edging towards being twee, this song is not the strongest he could have released, but matching ‘Grace’ was always going to be hard. Rating: 3/5 No link for this.Female First review: Will Young's third album, Keep On was to put it kindly, not well recived and it looked dangerously close to being game over for the original Pop Idol. His latest singles have seen his return to form and fortunatly for all Will fans out these Let It Go doesn't disappoint. The simplicity acoustic beginning to the track make a truly beautiful piece that is reminiscnet of Leave Right Now. Will's vocals coupled with the gentle acoustic guitar which make up this track are a perfect combination. The singer has come along way and the fact that Will has more involvement in writing his songs now screams through on this track. The autobiographical nature of the song mean it's difficult to not be moved by it. It may not be the strongest song he's ever done but it's still a beautiful track. It's unlikely to make a hugh impact on those who are not already fans, but for those who already love him it's a soulful elegant treat.Video Premiere: Will Young's 'Let It Go' http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/news/00021897.jpg February 10, 2009 02:55:29 GMT Will Young appears as a lonely superhero in a newly-debuted music video promoting the title track of his debut LP 'Let It Go'. A music video in accompaniment of Will Young's title track of debut studio album "Let It Go" has been brought forward. It is filmed in black-and-white scene and mostly captures the loneliness a superhero suffers from. The video shows the singer, who dresses in a superhero costume, arrested by two police officers. It continues showing Will wandering in town all by himself and dancing with a mannequin he stole from a store as if emphasizing that he indeed has no friend. Three years in the making, "Let It Go" has arrived in stores since September 2008. Led by self-written track "Changes", the album landed at the second place on U.K. Albums chart and sold more than 327,000 copies to date. http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00021897.html WILL YOUNG - LET IT GO: Well never let it be said that William of the Young does not throw himself fully into his videos - whether it be wearing tight speedos or doing some fancy dressage, he knows how to make a visual impact. The title track of his current album sees him getting kicked out of (one assumes) a costume party where at first I thought he had gone as a raccoon, but no he actually is a superhero. This leads to some great shots of William in superhero poses, his cape flying in the breeze. Some of these are purposefully posed, and some weaved into the character William is playing - for example, when he pulls his cape around him to shield him from the cold is an iconic superhero/villain image. There is also a beautiful scene where a previously petulant William walks past a store window and stares at a mannequin, before finally realising that he does indeed have to let his anger/hurt/resentment go and dances around with the mannequin, getting whatever version of closure he needs. It's a lovely 3 minutes+ of video to go with a stand out track from his album. I was advocatingI Won't Give Up as a single and i'm hoping that will still happen, but this promo has reignited my adoration for this stark, powerful statement of love and loss. Hopefully the British public will feel the same. http://myfizzypop.blogspot.com/2009/02/sin...l-young-to.htmlThis is the third single from the increasingly beautiful album Let It Go. He must be shifting digits, if this album saw a third single. I would have picked “Disconnected” or “Love,” but this one is scrumptious and the video sexily low-budgeted. http://loft965.com/2009/02/10/video-let-it-go-by-will-young/ Published by Santo Angelo on February 9, 2009 in MP3 and Video . I stumbled upon this truly amazing video/song/album I clustered all three together because they’re are all titled Let It Go. This project was released last year, coming across new, old music makes me wonder how much more I’m missing out on. All in all, I’m a fan of everyday heroes and grown up imagination, so I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. MP3: Will Young - Let It Go http://www.wedoitrightmag.com/2009/02/vide...oung-let-it-go/ Seeing Brit singer Will Young in this cheesy silver superhero outfit for his new video "Let it Go" made me expect the track and clip to be loud, flashy, and over the top, and then he went and offered up something so beautifully opposite. http://www.towleroad.com/2009/02/will-young-a-te.html Edited February 11, 200916 yr by munchkin
February 11, 200916 yr Author Thanks munchkin. Loving the comments from over the pond especially from the towleroad site. awesome! Posted by: pog | Feb 10, 2009 8:37:52 PM Wow, I'd forgotten how powerful a music video could be... Posted by: james | Feb 10, 2009 8:55:32 PM surprising and good Posted by: patrick m | Feb 10, 2009 8:59:03 PM I think Will Young is awesome. Always impressed with his song choices. Posted by: Chuy Christ | Feb 10, 2009 9:18:22 PM Will Young is a PHENOMENAL vocalist! Posted by: Brandon | Feb 10, 2009 9:48:09 PM Definitely an underrated song on the album and a surprisingly great video. I thought the video for "Grace" was a little disappointing. Posted by: Jason | Feb 10, 2009 9:51:24 PM I love this motherf***er. Posted by: Distingué Traces | Feb 10, 2009 9:56:09 PM I'm glad WY gets exposure on Towleroad, but he really deserves a bigger career than he has. Why he has no exposure in the US when there is so much dreck out there escapes me. For fans, check out 'Leave Right Now' on Youtube. Amazing video, all done in one take. Wonder if Will will ever take his music there. :unsure: I definitely think there's a market there for him. Edited February 11, 200916 yr by truly talented
February 27, 200916 yr Digital spy - single review Will Young: 'Let It Go' Released on Monday, March 2 2009 By Alex Fletcher, Senior Entertainment Reporter With endless gongs being handed out to Duffy and Adele, and the media becoming mildly obsessed with the current crop of electropop females, it's easy to presume that the UK music scene is lacking in male talent at the moment. If the Brits panel are turning to old stagers like Paul Weller and Ian Brown for the Best British Male category, something must be amiss. However, propping up this year's Brits list was Will Young, a man who released the best record of his career in 2008. 'Let It Go', which marries some of Young's most revealing lyrics ("I have never been afraid of being alone, it's somehow typical of being a man") with piano and hushed acoustic guitar, tugs at the heartstrings every bit as effectively as his 2003 chart-topper 'Leave Right Now'. Young has struggled of late to repeat his post-Pop Idol chart success, which is a shame because he's come an incredibly long way since his Gareth Gates duet and dire Doors cover. If you need reminding that great pop music can also come from people with the XY chromosome, he could well be the answer. 4 STARS
February 27, 200916 yr Author Thanks for the great DS review BYM+M's. He'll always be my Alpha Male. :wub:
March 3, 200916 yr Thanks to Ruthie on D Heat Mag Heats Top Ten Tracks New Entry at No.4 Let it Go We're not quite sure about the superhero video but this deliate ballad proves Will is at the top of his game ***** (5 Stars] Star Mag Let It Go Despite seeming like a rather lovely, cheerful chappie in real life, nobody does a lilting, melancholy melody better than our Will. So turn the lights down low, curl up on the sofa with a big glass of wine and let his gorgeous, heart-breaking and heartfelt vodals wash over you. Ahh, bliss! * * * * (4 stars) New Mag Let it Go Fresh from appearing on Question Time, Will gets back to doing what he does best. And Let It Go is one of his finest singles in ages - tender, tuneful and proof he shouldnt give up the day job!
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