3 New Albums: Russell, Laura and Amore

[nicola]

The Queen's Jubiliee is just around the corner, and classical crossover and the monarchy have always had a healthy relationship - and so there are three new albums today:

note: Amazon has a 2 for £10 deal on mp3 albums at the moment!

Laura Wright's Glorious Decca
Her second solo album taps into the Jubilee frenzy - an album full of patriotic songs, including one of the official Jubilee songs 'Stronger As One' (as featured on the 'Sing' EP). It's safe and predictable as is typical of Decca, but it will definitely please everyone who enjoyed her first album! Not to mention, there's a wonderful arrangement of Karl Jenkins's 'Benedictus' - the first crossover vocal rendition that doesn't exclude the cello that was so central to the original version. I personally feel it trumps Hayley Westenra's version. *thumbs up*

Russell Watson's Anthems Sony
This album is geared towards the whole of the UK, not just England. Very patriotic and well timed. We are treated to some old school Russell for the first time since he signed with Sony and lays off the operatic vocals for some tracks (I like). Again, nothing new and exciting here but Russell's charm is difficult to resist.

Amore's Stand Together Warner
I don't see this doing well. Warner has never done well for crossover in the UK and this album is a perfect example as to why. Completely out of touch. I can't even bring myself to buy this album, the track list is so bad. There's nothing to set them apart from Amici Forever from like... 10 years ago. Wise up, Warner. I hope I am wrong, because what amazing voices these guys have and a great story, too! I can't comment on the album itself as I haven't listened to it. If you find the tracklist more forgivable than I do, please, please give them a try and let me know what you think.

Amore do have a pending profile. I was supposed to add them a few months ago (their PR has given up on me, I think), but the more I heard of their repertoire, the more difficult I found it to write their profile. :/

[John]

Glorious and Stand Together are currently winging their way towards me, unless they have already landed on my doormat.

I heard Amore sing some of their album tracks a few weeks ago. No, I don't think there is anything particularly original or exciting, but they do have great voices. The title track 'Stand Together' is a new set of lyrics to Elgar's Nimrod. From what I remember of it, its release date of this week is no coincidence.

[pecanpraline]

I have never heard of the group, Warner. I'll have to take a listen.

[nicola]

Warner is a record label. Amore is the name of the group. x

[John]

The albums arrived yesterday.
I am really enjoying Amore's 'Stand Together'. There are some unusual arrangements and lovely contrast in their voices.
I might feel inspired to write a little more when I have a bit more time.

[mindda]

Amore are singing on Songs of Praise this Sunday at 12.30 (very unusual time for SOP!) on BBC 1 ("We will stand together"), as is Laura Wright ("Stronger as One")

[John]

Thanks Mindda.
I won't be able to watch at that time. I'll have to catch up on iPlayer later in the week.

[vhazza]

On the main chart: Russell Watson's album debut @ #5 in the album charts. Laura's Glorious debuted @ #59

On the classical: Russell @ #1, Laura @ #2, Amore @ #3 lol

Huggles
Vhari x

[nicola]

Amore didn't make the main chart then, I assume. That's sad for them, though I wasn't expecting anything different - same for Laura. Russell must be chuffed with a #5 position! x

[nicola]

I have written a full review for Laura's album: www.amazon.co.uk/review/R237WJSC5ZHZ5G/ref=cm_cr_pr_cmt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B007CVZEVU&nodeID=&tag=&linkCode=

xx

[John]

.... and I have written one for Amore.

www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3TOHZU78LMYN6/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

[nicola]

You have my useful vote! I think you are enticing me to buy this album, John! <3 Great review.

[John]

I've just ordered Russell's album too. I enjoyed hearing him singing some of those songs at the Albert Hall on Saturday (though it was Natasha Marsh that really made the day for me ).

[nicola]

After listening to Russell for a while, his album actually has similar problems to Laura's. I was expecting all of the arrangements to be massive, and his vocal to be breaking the windows, but it's all rather subdued. It's called 'Anthems'. I was expecting BIG. Lol. XD

[nicola]

Russell's album is still going strong in the second week - still within the top 20. Laura, however, has dropped out of the chart. 'Glorious' has probably sold about 4,000 (optimistic estimate) which Decca will consider a flop.

Unfortunately, Amore seemed to have flopped completely - they are still holding at number seven in the classical charts (not that that means much). Laura is at number two, and Russell at number one.