October 3, 200816 yr Author Thanks to Bumbling. Fantastic detailed review from someone who has really listened. :D Today's Music from ww_adh Popular music commentary, reviews, and charts relevant to music fans in the United States and the United Kingdom. Thursday, October 02, 2008 Album Review: Will Young - Let It Go (4.5 / 5) It's a sad truth that painful breakups are the fodder of great music, a point proven yet again by Will Young's fourth album, Let It Go, a brilliant exercise in retro soul-drenched modern pop that is at times uplifting, at time sad, and genuinely affecting. On the upbeat, frequently '70s-esque numbers Will is confident and assured, while on the acoustic guitar and string-laden ballads he is reflective, even sad. The highlights of the album encompass both styles, representing some of his best work yet. On Let It Go, Young takes a big step forward in bringing his personal life into his work. While he co-wrote a handful of the tracks on each of his first three albums, here he co-writes all but two songs, and even those two seem like they're telling the same story. During the course of writing this album, Will Young broke up with his boyfriend Conor, and the strains of that story echo throughout most of the songs here--the desire to save a failing relationship, the pain of it ending, and finding the strength to move on. The album opens with its first two singles, current single "Changes" and due-for-release "Grace." Both are good, particularly "Changes," which is propelled along with an assertive piano and synth brass. "Grace" isn't as upbeat, but has a similarly rich production of keyboards, strings, and electric guitar. While good, these tracks are pretty conventional pop compared to the more retro and soulful numbers that follow. Upbeat "Won't Look Down" gets the full brass section of trombone, trumpet, saxophone and french horn, plus a undercurrent of strings. It's good, but even better tracks follow, like "I Won't Give Up," which has a slight disco feel courtesy of a mix by the Freemasons. Best of the retro pack though goes to "Love," that seamlessly transitions its brass opening through synthesizers to a "Billie Jean"-like synth bass line. Will Young gives Ne-Yo a run for his money in the "next Michael Jackson" race with this. He's also clearly also gunning for the "next George Michael" tag, and makes a good case. Sure they're both British, gay, and sing contemporary soul/pop, but like Michael, Young delivers his songs with conviction. He's maybe not quite as convincing as the former Wham! man, but he's getting closer. He shines on many of the album's ballads. Often a sore spot for other performers, Will manages to hold my interest on most all of them, which reflect a refreshing variety of styles. "Tell Me the Worst" is pretty contemporary sounding--piano and strings enveloped in a synth-enriched production with soaring choruses and bridge. Acoustic "Let It Go" is better--an amazing beautiful song that opens softly with just Will and an acoustic guitar, with piano and strings coming in later, building appropriately at the end of the second verse. "I have never been afraid of being alone, It's somehow typical of being a man I know," muses Will. It's a statement of denial though, looking back on a broken relationship and deciding to "Let it go." This so deserves to be a single--I hope it's chosen over something more conventional. My favorite slow song--favorite song period--on this album is "You Don't Know." It benefits from a crystal clear production that makes the sound of the acoustic guitar player's fingers sliding along the strings make that wonderful squeaky noise. Then there's the lush orchestra that sound like it was borrowed from some heartbreaking film. Will sounds great too, especially when he provides his own back up on the line "took my broken bones and put them back together." I think I'm going to cry now. "Disconnected" is another highlight, a mellow reflection on the turning point where he realizes his relationship isn't working. "Love should be easier, it should be the time of our lives," he says, urging "we gotta talk baby boy, this can't go on." Baby boy? Was that a male pronoun? Yay! Finally, a gay pop artist who doesn't just address the object of his affection with the neutered "you." Imagine that. Wonder how long it will Clay Aiken to record such a song. There's not a bad moment here. Slower "If Love Equals Nothing" has a warm production and a bit of a swagger. Lavish "Simple Philosophy" is good, although unremarkable next to better, similar songs. "Are You Happy" is another funky number with a strong brass section. Gentle closer "Free My Mind" is a nice reflective ending. Let It Go is, in short, Will Young's best album yet, and while it may not score him a #1 hit, it will certainly please fans that have followed him and watched him grow since he released his first post (not mentioning the name of the show) single "Evergreen." Best: You Don't Know, Love, Let It Go, Changes, Disconnected, I Won't Give Up, Tell Me The Worst, Won't Look Down, Grace Labels: album review, Will Young Love that he lists 9 tracks as best. :yahoo:
October 3, 200816 yr And this reviewer is from Washington D. C. (USA). http://wwadh.blogspot.com/search/label/album%20review Thanks for bringing it over.
October 3, 200816 yr Thanks Toni for the link - what a great review.Thanks for bringing it over TT. Someone whose listened to the whole album and given a proper review - he's has a lot of these. So pleased people are actually listening . :yahoo: :wub: :heart: Edited October 3, 200816 yr by munchkin
October 3, 200816 yr Bournemouth Daily echo Will Young - Let it Go (RCA) *** By Nick Churchill THE major exception to the rule about talent show contestants and their short-lived careers, Will Young has turned in a fourth album that's loaded with crafted English soul songs and a super-smooth production from the likes of The Freemasons and Robot Club. The title track is a lachrymose break up ballad that's sure to scorch the charts, while lead single Changes sounds like autumn in three prime pop minutes. Lyrically, it seems Will's been hurt - been hurt bad - and like countless others before him found the pain in his heart unlocks the creative soul. Songs like Tell Me the Worst and If Love Equals Nothing will find favour with anyone left nursing a bottle and box of tissues. But perhaps the record's major achievement is moving its maker onto a higher level.
October 3, 200816 yr Don't where I should post it (maybe we should have a "2nd single" thread), but I think Grace is an amazing song and with a short radio edit and will do wonders for the album ^_^
October 3, 200816 yr Author Don't where I should post it (maybe we should have a "2nd single" thread), but I think Grace is an amazing song and with a short radio edit and will do wonders for the album ^_^ Great to hear your views on Grace Bert. Maybe you could start a second single thread for others to comment in. Thanks for the Bournemouth Daily Echo review sunday.
October 4, 200816 yr Author Review from Gregg Parish radioio/Idols Will Young Let It Go 19 Recordings/RCA Will Young’s New Album: You Won’t Want To “Let It Go” 29-year-old, Will Young, best known as the first winner of the Pop Idol franchise in the United Kingdom (which eventually spawned the popular American Idol here in the US), has finally released his first album in a little less than 3 years. Entitled “Let It Go,” the collection of new tracks is only preceded by its first single, “Changes,” which is already enjoying massive success in Will’s native country. So many things have worked together here to comprise this young man’s style. His experiences in helping others, as well as being honest about who he is, intertwines into the character and ambience of his music showing true passion and bursts of eclectic energy. The lad himself exhibits an amazing sense of humor and uses this to his advantage in making his live performances something that mustn’t be missed. With the anticipation of this release in the works for months now, there’s nothing here to disappoint. Mr. Young is well known for his ballads and mid-tempo crooning stylistics, and this album, as a whole, does not disappoint. In fact, “Let It Go” is the one that could help garner new listeners from around the world due to the diversity of music included and the passion for which it stands. There are a few choice tracks here that are sure to tickle anyone’s fancy, including the US, if you are out there listening. First off, the songs that got me moving were “Changes,” “Grace” and “Are You Happy.” “Changes” is a radio-friendly pop song worthy of all the hype it’s been obtaining in the UK. It’s playful and catchy with an amazing hook that keeps Will’s music relevant with anything being played on the radio today. Another great track from the album that maintains a consistent formula with ‘Changes” is “Are You Happy.” This track bubbles with a whiteboy, soulful persona that has always been considered Will’s signature sound. While Will’s “Grace” is a bit more downtempo, his voice exudes a sultry meandering around a chorus that keeps a smooth consistency throughout. This is a track that is easily destined for international success and has also been deemed as the next single to be released around Christmas. If you are in the mood for more of the pop tunes, listen out for “I Won’t Give Up” and “Simple Philosophy.” Yet, even more interesting, are the tracks that seem to have been inspired by the original Rat Pack formula but still manage to maintain the pop edge of today like “Won’t Look Down” and “Love”. (It’s obvious to me that his music is often stirred by many great legends of the past like Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra.) It’s even harder to imagine how any artist could pull this off; but Will Young does. Don’t forget about the downtempo ballads, though. These are the tracks that showcase this young man’s vocal range with an eclectic soulfulness you just don’t hear anywhere else: the epitome of what Will Young is all about. Soulful tracks like “Disconnected,” “If Love Equals Nothing” “Tell Me The Worst” and “You Don’t Know” merge well with the big band pop and the retro/contemporary sound of this album. If you’re looking for something to play at any event, like a dinner party or an elegant gathering, this is the one. But perhaps one of the biggest missteps of the record company was allowing a track called “This Is Who I Am” to be a UK-only bonus track if you buy the album from iTunes. First off, it’s crazy that US listeners cannot purchase anything from iTunes outside of the US, but to have this track as an album-only exclusive, is ridiculous. This is the most radio-friendly, piece of pure pop bliss on the album. Referred to as Will’s “James Bond theme,” this song packs a 1-2 punch and makes you realize that Mr. Young has a secret weapon in his repertoire: an edge. Whatever it takes, definitely get your hands on this one. Overall, “Let It Go” is not one you want to “let go.” This album is not only a chic, refined and sophisticated collection with a contemporary, modern flair, but can tame the most voracious of fickle pop pallets. While many of the winners of televised TV competitions come and go so quickly, it’s obvious Will Young will be around as long as he decides and, more importantly, consistently keeps his fans ravenous for his music. This one’s a keeper!
October 4, 200816 yr What an absolute stonker of a review from Greg Parish, :yahoo: thanks for posting it up TT, I also agree with him about Will's "James Bond theme" track "This Is Who I Am", it's criminal that it's only available to download on iTunes, maybe they'll use it on an episode of Lost in the US? ;)
October 24, 200816 yr Thanks to Sarah on D Woking Rview [local paper] 'Its probably his best to date' Will Young is back on the airwaves after taking a bit of a break from the music scene. His new album 'Let it Go', sounds quite similar to his previous tunes but has some really catchy numbers you will want to sing along to. Will was one of the fortunate products of a reality show afte he was plucked from thousands of singers during ITVs Pop Idol six years ago. Since then he has forged a very successful career in the music business and films too. But don't be fooled by the stark-looking album cover, 'Changes', the debut single from the album, has done well in the charts and is a great tune. The Lyrics tackle making changes in life to better yourself and the tune certainly sticks in your head after a few plays. 'Disconnected' is a brilliant track, too, and perhaps a potential number one. In fact, there were no tracks on the 13-song album that I did not enjoy. It's great chill-out music with a number of tracks that are more upbeat. This is the fourth album Will has produced so far and I think it is probably his best to date
January 20, 200916 yr Good hope FM [south african Radio station] Let It Go Will Young Blues CD 8/10 'Let It Go' is the fourth album from Pop Idol winner Will Young. With a powerful and accomplished voice that blends soul, blues and pop, Young is able to draw the listener into his world with a superb amount of conviction. Let It Go is Will Young's first album in 3 years, since the release of 'Keep On' in late 2005. Without a doubt 'Let It Go' is Will Young's best album to date. It is an eclectic mix of beautiful ballads and surprising upbeat pop, all sung in that smooth, soulful voice with the jazzy inflections honed to perfection. With this healthy mix of pop, blues, soul here, only "Love" sounds like it is straight out of a disco-themed 70s movie, and it's maybe a bit out of place. Most tunes have a very relaxed, loungy effect… Caution: don't listen if your heart's just been broken. Will co-wrote 11 of the songs and it seems the poor boy has gotten his heart broken a few times. From declaring "If love equals nothing/But sadness and pain/Why do I need it time and again?" to warning "Never let love leave you blind", the adult Will survives to live another day, singing, "I have never been afraid of being alone". The album is an easy listen and the songs are indeed very thoughtful… 'Changes' opens the album with Young hoping "my life changes". Will deserves credit for not disguising his sexuality with non-specific lyrics, singing in 'Disconnected' that "We gotta talk baby boy, this cannot go on - we're supposed to be in love." I'm sure with this 'achievement' he now has more pink fans running to get his latest installment. My ultimate favourite is track one: 'Changes', maybe because I've just stepped off an emotional rollercoaster and hoping for change. His sultry, sexy voice just lures me to that change that I long for and definitely need.
January 21, 200916 yr Author Hoping the Brits panel read these reviews very carefully & without prejudice.
March 16, 200916 yr I found this American blogger's review of the album over on Will's official site, I think it was originally posted on Devoted by Julie though. ModMusic: Will Young Technically it's cheating for a Stateside blog to review Will Young's latest disc, Let It Go; the album hasn't been released yet in the U.S., and maybe never be. That's our loss, because Young -- the openly gay winner of the first season of Pop Idol, and the only truly significant artist to emerge from the Idol reality chain besides Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry -- has become one damn fine vocalist over the years. With a sweet high tenor which fits airily on top of pop songs like a cherry on a sundae, Young has improved his songwriting and style to a point where he'll probably have a long and prosperous career, America be damned. It's not too far out to guess that Young's inability to gain a foothold here is due to his sexuality; the same problem affects most gay acts these days, including fellow European hitmakers Scissor Sisters and Sam Sparro. There's also a gentility to Young's best work -- a fragile tremble in the vocals ("Tell Me The Worst") or a plaintive approach to arrangements ("If Love Equals Nothing") -- that doesn't fit well with the strip-club mentality of most contemporary pop music. But what Young does have, in spades, is an uncanny sense of his own personal music, and where he fits in the pop pantheon. Listening to the tightly-produced Let It Go, I was struck by the piano-banging "I Won't Give Up," which could have been a hit in the days when Billy Joel and George Michael ruled the charts; the urgent bass line of "Love," which sounds like a lost Michael Jackson album track from Off The Wall; and the jazzy smudges of "Are You Happy," unquestionably my favorite selection, which literally had my feet tapping on a first listen. There's a serious artist buried under the pop veneer of Will Young, and Let It Go gives us an inkling of the treasures he'll unearth in the years to come.
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