Posted September 16, 200816 yr Instyle magazine Just when we were all wondering where our Will had gone, up he pops again with a shiny new album. Soulful, sultry and full of powerful sing-along love songs, it's perfect for getting you into that autumnal vibe.HMV -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REVIEW Aug 2008 Will Young returns with his fourth and strongest album to date, ‘Let It Go’. Perfectly crafted songs, rich contemporary arrangements, that familiar voice to the fore: but sweeter, more intimate and tender than ever before. After making two albums with legendary producer Steve Lipson, Will made the decision to work with a variety of producers for ‘Let It Go’. The first single, 'Changes' sees Will merging with his long established songwriting partners, Eg White, the Ivor Award winning composer of 'Leave Right Now'. Other Will and Eg collaborations include the beautiful ‘Let It Go’ and the orchestral groove of ‘I Won’t Give Up’, co-produced and mixed by ultra-hip clubland duo The Freemasons. Another album favourite is ‘Grace’, co-written with Matt Prime and produced by Richard ‘Biff’ Stannard and Ash Howe. Other songwriting collaborators and producers include former Alisha's Attic star Karen Poole, veteran producer Mike Spencer (who has worked with everyone from Queen and Jamiroquai to Kylie) and Bristol team Robot Club (currently working with Massive Attack). Between them they conjure up a sonic palette that encompasses disco, soul, funk and spacious orchestral chamber pop framed in plush, synthetic 21st century soundscapes. Attitude http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/Lisa33/Attitude3.jpg Metro Will Young charms at 'Poshfest' by ARWA HAIDER - Friday, July 25, 2008 Will Young - 'total charmer on stage' Original Pop Idol Will Young joked about hosting 'Poshfest' or 'Willstock', as he performed an exclusive outdoor showcase in the swanky grounds of Fulham Palace, London, last night. The site was decked out to resemble a village fete, with bunting, tree lights and a sizzling bbq, and the summer evening weather couldn't have been balmier when Will took to the stage with a full live band and backing vocalists. His short but sweet set comprised four new numbers from his upcoming album Let It Go (due for a September release), partly written in collaboration with pop supremo Eg White – plus a poignant rendition of his massive hit Leave Right Now, and an impressively sassy cover of Joni Mitchell's track Help Me, which proved Will's vocal range was on top form. The taster of new material focused on familiar romantic themes, enhanced by the classy, soulful talents of Will and his outfit. First single release Changes was an upbeat, if relatively 'safe', easy-on-the-ears number; this was followed by the emotive, more downbeat Disconnected, the retro-tinged album title track, and the arguable highlight, a heavier, soul-rock number entitled Grace, which rounded off the set-list. Will himself was a total charmer onstage, chattering affably between numbers, and throwing himself into the performance with such gusto that he didn't appear to realise that his flies were undone and his tight jeans falling down to reveal (pristine white, possibly ironed) underpants. Of course, this only drew heartier cheers from the audience – particularly when he simply pulled his pants up and continued to sing his heart out. With this homegrown soul man, it really is all in the delivery. Will Young performs new tracks at his ‘Let It Go’ album launch In the past I’ve not always found Will Young that easy to get on with – he can often be either grumpy or stand offish. But he was on fine form and more charming than ever before when we met up for a chat last night after he had performed tracks from his new album Let It Go that comes out on September 29. And from what I heard last night, Will has another Number One album under his belt. The new material is great – and absolutely perfect for his voice. Smooth, soulful and pretty much the best stuff he’s ever released. He has a great voice live too….. Will threw a garden party in the grounds of the Fulham Palace to celebrate his first outing of music from the new record. He performed completely live with his band and had two ace backing singers. It was great listening to him perform in front of such an intimate crowd full of mainly record company PRs and journos. The head honchos of 19 Management were there too – including Pop Idol’s Nikki Chapman and big boss Simon Fuller. Will sang four new songs, hit single Leave Right Now and covered Joni Mitchell’s track Help Me. The new tracks are great. The first single is Changes and is a radio smash hit to start with, Disconnected is slow and pure, album title track Let It Go is my personal favourite and Grace is the soulful classic all the fans will love. Talking about the new album Will told me: “I’m so excited to be starting work on a new album and performing all the new material. “The last album was harder to get out and I wasn’t as comfortable with it. I felt far more uneasy about the material last time - but this one has been a really easy process. It was easier to write and easier to record. I feel so much less pressure on this record - it’s just great to be doing another record seven years later.” Will’s also ecstatic that his new tour has sold out and been extended like it has. “And its amazing that the tour has sold out so well too,” he added. “It’s always a worry that things won’t sell out but we had to add extra dates in the end. So I was thrilled.” Oh and FYI, Will’s still puffing away on the fags too – and was walking around after his performance with his Marlboro Lights in hand. This album has instant pop classic written all over it…..and I can’t wait to get my hands on an actual copy! http://www.deanpiper.com/index.php/2008/07...o-album-launch/ The Sun WILL YOUNG debuted tracks from his forthcoming album Let It Go at an intimate outdoor show in London which he dubbed “Willstock”. Despite leaving his flies undone for most of the show at London’s Fulham Palace, the camp singer impressed with a string of radio-friendly ballads. He also dedicated one track to ex-M PEOPLE star MIKE PICKERING’s daughter GRACE. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...cle1472531.ece Daily Star Will:Ive grown up. Despite a 7 year reign as one of the UKs favourite male vocalists, Will Young has confessed it is only now that he feels like a pop star. On the brink of releasing his fourth album, LET IT GO, Will, 28, thew a party in the grounds of swanky Fulham Palace. Among the apple trees and fairy lights, Will shone with an effortless performance of four new songs, and a cover of Help me by Joni Mitchell 64, and his number one hit Leave Right Now.Will explained on stage, how he teamed up again with Eg White 41,and Karen Poole 37. First single, changes ticks all the boxes for a hit. and during the set Will flashed his underwear due to the lack of a belt round his skinny jeans. Talking to me afterwards, he joked, The festivals I have been playing have been a good warm up for this evenings Willstock. I have to admit the BB'Q deck chairs, and free flowing wine, the night did feel like a mini festival. HAPPY And he didnt mind the crowd of media and record label types scrutinising his new tunes. He added I am happy with all the tracks on the album, so I am not scared about releasing it. I wanted to make an album of credible pop and I feel I have done that.I feel comfortable in my own skin now-grown up-so I can do what I want. Wills next stop is the Virgin Mobile V Festival in the Virgin Mobile Union tent. See you down the front. marie claire - Let it go Will Young's making a comeback Posted by Tom Gormer at 11:17 on 25 Jun 2008 THIS arrived in the post last week. It is the new Will Young album. (A good thing about Will Young: he wears nice clothes.) (A bad thing about Will Young: he lives in West London.) For people that have proper responsible jobs and do a service to the world and don't live within showbiz London's inner circle (!!), pictured is an album sampler. These get sent to people who gab on for a living in the hope they will listen to it, and then want to feature William Young in their media of choice, because the album has good songs, or he looks pretty etc etc. The album is called LET IT GO. It was originally going to be called Let Go but this has been scrubbed out in black marker. (maybe the budget went on Burberry clothes) This album sampler has six tracks: *Changes (the first single, 'a very personal song') *I Won't Give Up (produced/remixed by the Freemasons - they did Beyonce Beyonce Shakira Shakira) *Grace (a smooth reflective song) *Let It Go (a delicate ballad) And two others: *Tell Me The Worst and *Won't Look Down. And what do we think? We think, 'Crikey Will, you still have IT!' The Daily Star - Let it go Will's Ready to Go I've had a sneak listen to several tracks from Will Young's new album, Let it Go, out on September 29th. First single Changes, which hits shops two weeks earlier, is a sweeping mid tempo number with a big, uplifting chorus that reminds me of Adele's Chasing Pavements. The title track Let it Go, meanshile, is a delicate ballad co- penned by Eg "Leave Rith Now" White, which will keep the fans happy. Im not a huge fan of the jazzy direction Will's taken in a couple of tracks but I'm reserving my judgement until I hear the whole album. If he sticks to the out-and-out pop he does best he could well have another No 1 on his hands Music week - Let it go Since his 2002 debut, Will Young has successfully made the transition from Pop Idol into credible commercial mainstay and anyone still doubting his potential for career longevity will soon have their concerns answered. Let It Go is the sound of an artist truly hitting their stride, dishing up a bevvy of classy, commercial songs that possess the timeless quality of the pop classics. The Eg White-penned single, Changes sets the benchmark for this set; a reflective lyric and an understated production allowing Young's personality to shine through in the song, whilst I Won't Give Up is another highlight.RED Magazine Top 3 Must-Hear Albums Will Young Let It Go (Bmg) Incredibly, it's nearly six years since Will Young won T V's Pop Idol but it was his album Keep On, that established him as more than a talent-show winner. This follow-up offers more of the same. Packed with soulful anthems, like Grace, and radio friendly classics, like/ I won't give up. If you like Jamie Cullum you'll love this 3 stars Siobhan Grogan Observer http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/Abbiej/Observer2.jpg Edited August 8, 201113 yr by truly talented
September 19, 200816 yr Author BBC Review Album Will Young Let It Go [RCA]Artist: Will Young Released: 29 September 2008 Catalogue number: 88697344442 Reviewby Jerome Blakeney 19 September 2008 Surely the greatest compliment you can pay Will Young is that in 2008, six years on, you barely rememebr that he rose to fame as the winner of the very first Pop Idol. The reasons are simple: he's actually talented. And not just in that cheeky, boy-next-door, anybody's-mum-would-like-him way; but as a singer. A distinctive set of pipes, a firm sense of soul dynamics and now, with Let It Go, a mature way of approaching his craft. Let It Go is filled with insights gained through heartache and self doubt. And like say, George Michael, he uses these elements to his advantage, gilding glossy mid-paced r 'n' b with that distinctive warble. This is an older, stronger Will. There's little of startling originality here (Love could be by George, while nicking the bassline from Billie Jean) but frankly it's so well done that nobody's complaining. This is emotive stuff that avoids being too mushy and lingers in the brain, in a good way. And while he may not have the Wham star's musicological nouse, there's a sense that he's been on a journey and found the place where he's happiest, producing soul pop gems filled with hook after hook. The journey's all laid out in opener, Changes, and from that point on this is an easy ride through top tune heaven. The only low point comes with Disconnected where Will emulates the worst, sappiest balads of Michael jackson. He's better than such material. Yet, overall, Let It Go may even be destined to be his classic; the album that finds its way into the hearts of a million households and confirms him as one of our premier pop statesmen. It's generation-straddling perfection. http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/vwzf/ Teletext review ..Will Young/Let It Go Reviews by Jenny Pashkova In his fourth album of quintessential English soul, this does exactly what he promises in the title. It is an altogether more personal effort than his previous. He's a jilted lover on Grace, he's searching for the meaning of life on Changes, and love on Simple Philosophy. At the centre however is Will's personality and marvellous voice, and this is what lures you in. 7/10Neil McCormick Telegraph. "The original Pop idol has matured intoa genuine talent, crafting elegant pop-soul with a delicate, very English quality. It's a break-up album with a streak of self-help philosophy, but Young's high tone and understated jazzy singing has a lightness of touch that floats swettly over the heartbreak. Download this: 'Tell Me The Worst'." A very nice revue from the man who gave him such a great write-up when he reviewed Friday's Child. The Independent On Sunday Review -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can the original 'Pop Idol' hold his own now that Leona Lewis has redefined what we might expect from our TV talent-show winners? On the evidence of Young's fourth album, the answer is an emphatic yes. Sure, the melancholy-verses-leading-into-uplifting choruses shtick is formulaic and the singles stand out by miles, but this is a consumate lession in how to produce radio-friendly pop. Young is surely only a few personal life crises away from being our new George Michael. Simmy Richman. Download this 'Grace': what odds for Christmas No1? Edited September 28, 200816 yr by truly talented
September 28, 200816 yr I'm unpinning this now, if we get any more reviews, we can just tag them on, as I'm sure it'll stay on the first page for a while. :D
September 29, 200816 yr The BBC review is spot on in my opinion, this album should become (and deserves to be) a classic. :yahoo:
September 29, 200816 yr Don't know whether we've got this one - just seen it on D posted on D by Kooky:- Teletext Will Young - Let It Go Surely the greatest compliment you can pay Will Young is that in 2008, 7 years on, you barely remember that he rose to fame as winner of Pop Idol. The reasons are simple - he's actually talented. Not just in that cheeky, boy-next-door way, but as a singer. He has a distinctive set of pipes, a firm sense of soul dynamics and now, as Let It Go proves, a mature way of approaching his craft. Let It Go is full of insights gained through heartache and self doubt. There is a sense that Youngs been on a journey and found a place where he is happiest - producing soul pop gems. The journey is all laid out in the opener Changes, and, from that point on, this is an easy ride through top tune heaven. Let It Go may even be destined to be his classic album. It could be the one that finds it's way into the hearts of millions of households and confirms him as one of our premier pop statesmen.
September 29, 200816 yr Thanks to sleepless in hampshire on D London lite Review by Martha De Lacey Charmer Will Is happy to bare his soul There's baring your soul and baring your soul and at Bestival Will Young took soul baring into the stratosphere, serenading a park full of people with his decadently easy going pop/soul, while simultaneously ripping off his ship's admirals fancy dress clobber and bowling it into the muddy crowd. How rude. Of course, coming from pop's most exquisitely charming young chap this prank was neither rude nor crass, neither vulgar nor naff. It made you chuckle, cheer and then feel desperate to squash him in hugs. Were this writer a gay man, there would have been something of a kerfuffle near the stage front. Admiral Young's cheeky stunt was, actually, rather symbolic. Let It Go, his fourth album, three years on the tail of Keep On, is a poignant and honest collection of songs admitting that a relationship is not so much disintegrating as already a big bag of crumbs. A recent break up was his muse but rather than plumbing song writing depths of despair and penning heavy metal head bangers about car crashes and dead babies, Mr Young has, as ever, taken the episode with splendid maturity and remarkable good grace. There's not a self indulgent whine nor whimper in sight. Instead there's the jazzy big band quickstep of Are You Happy, the soaring, heady chorused hopefulness of Eg White produced Changes, the grateful and nostalgic You Don't Know and Simple Philosophy, and twitchy fusion of George Michael and Stevie Wonder. "If Love equals nothing but sadness and pain then why do I need it time and time again" he croons on the ballad If Love Equals nothing. Yes, he's crushed and certainly love isn't all crumpets and fairy dust, but sure as dammit he aint gonna stopsearching for cuddles. With typical art-mirroring life panache the sturdiness of young William's heart reflects his status as one of pop music's most resilient artists. Young's pop-so soft its like being given a sponge bath by a chinchilla has almost eclipsed his journey. Most would struggle to recall what song he sang to Simon Pete Neil and Nicky back in 2001 (it was blame it on the boogie and it was guilded with Young's own beserk take on what the Jackson 5 meant by boogie). Even fewer could tell you what eventually happened to Pop Idol rival Gareth Gates. Unless of course you caught ITVs Whatever happened to Gareth Gates? Our 29 year olds music has stood the test of time for two reasons. First, he didn't jump on the reality tv singer bandwagon so much as build the thing before skipping off, chuckling and admiring his handiwork. Second, his honesty (particularly coming out) and determination and confidence (especialy telling Simon Cowell to get stuffed on tv) have got him writing some admirable likeable tunes. There is little here that will coax Glasvegas fans off the dance floor and onto the sofa. But the ones who are already sitting comfortably will be wrapped up in Will's soothing blanket. Don't expect to see Whatever Happened to Will Young? in the tv listings any time soon. four stars (out of five) Thanks to AJ on D BIG ISSUE **** (4 stars ) The original Pop Idol, it's a testament to Will Young's strong work ethic and astute career choices that few people today associate him with the TV talent show that first made him famous. In the six years since then he's released three hit albums, sold out nationwide tours, acted on stage and screen, written eloquently on gay issues and, less significantly, won Rear of the Year. 'Let It Go' is his first album since 2005's triple-platinum 'Keep On' and looks set to further cement his status as a credible solo artist. Ostensibly a break-up record, opening track 'Changes' sets the tone for much of what follows and sees Young's supple, soulful voice applied to a stirring tale of resilience and heartache, following the end of a relationship. Similar lyrical themes run through the core of 'Let It Go', set to a rich orchestration of smooth R&B and upbeat pop. The album couuld arguably do with losing one or two weaker tracks and Young's sentimental lyrics are often cloying, but standout songs such as 'Grace' or the 'Billie Jean'-esque 'Love' effectively redress the balance back in the singer's favour. Richard Smirke Edited September 29, 200816 yr by sunday
September 29, 200816 yr Author Two more 4 * reviews. :D Thanks sunday. Edited September 29, 200816 yr by truly talented
September 30, 200816 yr Here's some more excelleny reviews, posted in by Ruthie over on Devoted. HEAT MAG:- In the Music Review section Young Gun The Original Pop Idol makes a Welcome Return (Lovely piccy in a suit between two walls, with the caption "Will wasn't impressed at being stuck next to those scruffs.....") Will Young Let It Go In a Nutshell. "What the hell is Will Young doing these days?" has been a popular cry at heat towers for quite some time now - three years, to be precise. He hasnt released an album since 2005. The lazy sod. Whats it like? Poor Will - judging by the mood of the majority of the 13 tracks, hes been very busy getting his poor heart broken. On the positive side, misery has made for some beautiful songs. From the catchy first single Changes to If Love Equals Nothing, his soothing-as-a-warm-bubble-bath voice has grown stronger and richer, and this whole album is immaculately sung, presented and produced, Yay. How many good tracks? Eleven, out of 13. Best track? One listen to the soulful Grace and you'll be singing the "ooh oohhh" hook all day. Worst track? Love has an intro straight out of an 80's cop show. Verdict? We're never again likely to see a middle-class, sob-story-free contestant win an X Factor style comp, which, if they sound anything like this, is a hell of a shame. * * * * * ( 5 stars) STAR MAG Album review again, massive face picture across the page, 2 colums for Will and one for James Morrison + 4 stars and Jonas brothers 4 stars also. Caption on the picture is " Has more chartbusters than a Madonna greatest hits album" Who? After trying his luck at acting. Will returns to what he does best. Here's the original Pop Idol's fourth studio album. Hows it sound? Over the years, Will has become known as a bit of a diva behind the scenes. And while we dont usually condone that sort of behaviour, we're letting him off on the basis that this is one corker of an album. Thrown together while Will was nursing a broken heart, Let It Go oozes elegance and soul, and contains more chartbusters than a Madonna greatest hits album! Will has grown up a lot in the past couple of years and it really shows in his music. Current single Changes is the perfect opener, while Love has a slick 1980s pop sound to it. On Disconnected, he talks about his "baby boy", which shows how comfortable he now feels with his sexuality. So much for that "only girl" he ever needed in Evergreen ..... Verdict: Will is like an expensive bottle of wine - he gets better with age! Skip to: Let It Go * * * * * ( 5 stars) NEW MAG Another big piccy, full size side shot in a brown suit, looking down. Caption on piccy "Will is back with another great album" * * * * ( 4 stars) main artist shown again, big review, double the size of the other two What you need to know... The original pop idol unveils his fourth album. First impressions... Like Girls Aloud - but er, unlike Michelle McManus - Will Young has proved that if you've really got a talent and, to quote Simon Cowell, the "like-ability factor", you can carve out a career that lasts a lot longer than the closing credits of your chosen reality TV talen show. Like 2005's chart conquering Keep On, Will's fourth album is a polished, growqn up affair that will please his twentysomething gay and girl fans, while also keeping the nation's mums very sweet indeed. The tingly, tear-eyed title track Let It Go and the uplifting Grace are nearly on a par with past Will gems like Who Am I and Leave Right Now, while the woozy string driven You Don't Know showcases Will's effortless, lifting vocals to a T. Love, meanshile, sounds just like Older-era George Michael - minus the public toilets and wacky baccy, obviously. You'll like this if you like... George Michael, Take That, James Morrison. Our Favourite Track... The gorgeous Grace. Did you know?... Could a Dolly Parton duet be on the cards? Maybe! Will has recently said he would love to record his next album in Nashville. Yee-Ha! New Verdict... A smooth, soulful success that is sure to please his fans.
September 30, 200816 yr Author :yahoo: More first class reviews & now I've actually heard the tracks I couldn't agree more. :dance: :D :D Thanks for bringing them over suggy. Edited September 30, 200816 yr by truly talented
September 30, 200816 yr Thanks for all the reviews. Love this album - can't stop playing it. :dance: :yahoo:
September 30, 200816 yr Digital spy Will Young: 'Let It Go' Released on Tuesday, September 30 2008 By Nick Levine So, is this really Will Young's "break-up record"? Well, if you approach Let It Go looking for titillating titbits about the dissolution of his two-year relationship with a dancer called Conor, you won't be disappointed. "We're in a crisis and you think it's boring," Young sings on a song called 'Disconnected', offering a clue as to Why Things Went Wrong. He's even more direct on 'Are You Happy', asking his lover: "How can we get on when we don't even talk?" before telling him: "There's no way you're happy baby." Gotta hurt, right? But calling Let It Go a "break-up record" only tells half the story. Lead single 'Changes', a song about being stuck in a rut but hoping things will get better, is just as typical here. He may compare his heart to a can of worms at one point - not the prettiest of images, it has to be said - but elsewhere Young comes across as smart, feisty and fundamentally optimistic. Without wishing to get too Ally McBeal about it, he's also a hopeless romantic who still believes in love even when he's at his lowest ebb, which is why Let It Go never becomes depressing or self-pitying. "You let it tear you apart," he sings on the straightforwardly-titled 'Love', before admitting he'll put himself through the same thing "all over again". Though Let It Go is clearly Young's most revealing album to date - he co-wrote eleven of its 13 tracks - his soul-baring is always conducted in the best possible taste. This is an album of glossy, polished adult pop, penned with experienced songsmiths including Eg White (Adele, Duffy) and Karen Poole (Sugababes, Kylie), and it rarely strays from midtempo. 'Love', the album's six-minute centrepiece, may appropriate the 'Billie Jean' bassline for a slice of ultra-smooth wine bar disco, but there's never any danger of Young breaking a sweat. So while the album does sometimes slip into blandness, most of the time it's just plain good: the melodies are lively and surprising, the lyrics are thoughtful and the singing is consistently impressive. Annie Lennox, whose classy, emotionally rich pop Young clearly admires, and George Michael, whose openness he matches, are obvious touchstones. It's a testament to how far he's come since winning Pop Idol six years ago that it now seems fitting, not ridiculous, to mention Will Young's name in such elevated company. ****
September 30, 200816 yr Author And they keep coming. Thanks to Jan on Devoted. Sunday-Mercury WILL YOUNG - Let It Go Sep 30 2008 By Paul Cole (19 Recordings) TURN the clock back six years and reality pop was enjoying its heyday. It was in 2002 that Popstars gave us Girls Aloud, Fame Academy launched Lemar and Will Young won Pop Idol. Unlike other wannabes, the three have stood the test of time – but who would have imagined Young would record such a strong album as this? His semi-soul vocal and distinctive diction have Motown hues in Changes and Simple Philosophy, while the reflective title track is a huge hit in the making. But best is Won’t Look Down, which recalls Emmitt Tinley’s late lamented Prayerboat.
September 30, 200816 yr "Your London": Another good review, this is a magazine for jobseekers - WILL YOUNG: 'LET IT GO' BMG **** Let It Go is exactly what you'd expect of Will Young's fourth album. Elegantly conceived, the slouchy semi-soul grooves have mainstream radio in mind. The self-reflective title track is a killer ballad, which will resonate with anyone who has gone through a break-up. Reflections on his own masculinity, questioning his feelings, losing a love - shows why he's great. The other two albums reviewed are "Jennifer Hudson" and "Songs For You, Truths For Me". Jennifer also gets 4 stars, James gets 3. Toni xxx
September 30, 200816 yr Thanks Toni. I've never enjoyed reading Will's reviews so much. :D They are rather good aren't they TT. :w00t: Thanks for bringing them over everyone.
October 1, 200816 yr Author Thanks to griff. From an Irish site. Will Young - Let It Go It's a good sign, perhaps, that we have to be reminded that Will Young was the winner of The X Factor's predecessor, Pop Idol, back in 2002 - it almost seems like the still-only-29-year-old has been around since at least the '90s. It also speaks volumes about Young's development and talent as a singer, songwriter and performer - where are Gareth Gates, Michelle McManus and Steve Brookstein these days? (Answer: trust me, you probably don't want to know). After an absence of three years, the shy Berkshire man is back with his fourth album 'Let It Go' - and it's a huge jump forward for him in terms of maturity and artistic evolution. Maturity is, indeed, a key word here: lyrically, Young seems to have come to terms with a number of factors out of his control (best heard on the title track). Musically this is an album littered with intelligent, moody and mellow songs that range from laidback, horn-riddled offerings (Won't Look Down), swinging cabaret numbers (If Love Equals Nothing) and solemn, sometimes moving ballads (Tell Me the Worst). Above all else, though, 'Let It Go' is a pop album: Love's '60s soul intro develops into a funky '80s disco beat naturally and cleverly, and Grace is a composed, quietly affecting proposition. It's that voice, though - that intuitive knowledge of when to hold back and when to let go - that sparks the material most impressively, and is still capable of causing goosebumps. Nevertheless, it's not completely capable of holding attention until the album's end: the last few songs are slightly predictable (especially the sub-Joss Stone funk/soul of Are You Happy), if far from disastrous. In an era where 'pop' is seen as a dirty word and reality TV shows of Pop Idol's ilk are dismissed as human humiliation devices, there's at very occasionally artists who prove that sometimes, just sometimes, there are exceptions to the pretension, fabrication and sheer awfulness of it all. Will Young is undoubtedly one of them.
October 1, 200816 yr Thanks TT, Will's never been a big seller in Ireland really has he? well apart from Leave Right Now, I hope he does well with Let It Go and I think he just might. :D
Create an account or sign in to comment