Here is the review by the TeamJMD girls - Katie and I. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Singer Of Your Song, is the newest album in six years for singer/songwriter and TV presenter, Jane McDonald. This new CD consists of fourteen tracks ranging from heart-breaking ballads to toe tapping dance numbers; taking you through an emotional rollercoaster from the word, go. For this new album, McDonald has had the chance to develop and improve her vocals with the help of her producer Nigel Wright (Madonna, Barbra Streisand ect). The whole album consists of pure raw emotion and there is something new in McDonalds voice which hasnt been there in previous CDs. As well as a new producer, the album also has The City Of Prague Orchestra which can be heard on of the most tracks sending chills down the spine and that extra touch to the album. Before we get into the musical aspect of the album itself, lets take a look at the exterior. The front cover consists of Janes face (photo taken by Nicky Johnston) where fans of the singer can see McDonald looking radiant and better than ever. The front image takes up a majority of the space with the artists name printed in pink at the bottom, which contrasts well against Janes glossy brunette waves. As for the title itself, The Singer Of Your Song, is printed nicely in capitals in white letters beneath her name, a fabulous simple colour scheme. The back of the CD is very simple and not over the top with the tracks 1-14 in a vertical line, making it easy to read - compared to some artists who dot the tracks everywhere in wacky fonts! On the back of the cd, next to the tracks is a photo of Jane once again, looking elegant and natural for her fans to admire. Lastly, the back also has her social media (Facebook, Twitter) and her website which helps fans to connect with the much loved personality. Opening the CD, you are met with the same front cover image on the front artwork which again is very simple not over the top and is a nice touch. Behind the disk itself is a collection of images which are all captioned and are a little insight to the life of singer/songwriter Jane McDonald, as well as the people who helped make the album. As for the booklet, it contains information for the audience to read. Once again its not in large chunks of writing which would leave the reader bored, instead its small line to keep us interested. The first double page consists of a headshot of Jane as well as the acknowledgement of the people behind the album (producers, managers , studios and orchestra). The next page consists of musician and photography acknowledgement. Lastly is the message from Jane where she thanks her fans, partner, producer and project manager for all the help on this album, fans appreciate messages such as these and its nice to read especially with all the kind words said by Jane. Now as for the music itself.... 1) The Rose (duet with Susan Ravey) - The Rose is a very gentle and soothing track that Jane has dedicated to her best friend and backing singer for most of her career, Susan Ravey, who also duets with Jane in this very number. The duet makes this a very emotional, special and touching song to listen too. It is definitely a number you cannot listen too without having goose bumps and a shiver down your back as well as a tear in your eye. 2) Here Comes The Sun - It starts as a soft and relaxing song and hits up into a feel-good up beat song showing off the amazing talents of not only the Orchestra but her two beautiful backing singers Beth Macari and Sally Faye Carr. This song is sure to leave you smiling, dancing and singing along with it. 3) Weve Got Tonight - This song is a very romantic song, originally a duet, it shows off McDonalds vocal abilities a wide range. The song starting really soft and slow and its a song you can sway too and then going into a big belting number. McDonald shows she can pull of all genres as she definitely pulls off this country classic. 4) The Singer Of Your Song - This song is written by Jane herself and really captures every essence of what she wanted to tell her fans, having written songs for the wonderful people in her life including her mother, father and fiancee and this time she wrote a song to show her fans what they mean to her and she achieves this with the melody to the song being soft and taking the listener on a journey of her career. The emotion in her voice truly captures the love, warmth and thanks she has for her fans and certainly shows that she is The Singer Of Our Song. 5) Betcha By Golly Wow - This is a song that many fans have heard before but not quiet like this, the new song arrangement and new life in McDonalds voice truly brings out the songs full potential. Its a nice soft romantic classic with a sense of lots of mystery and magic. Its a feel good and beautiful song, the magic portrayed perfectly in her voice. 6) When I Look At You - This song is a very special song written by Jane herself for her fiancée of nearly six years, the new arrangement truly captures the depth of the love put into every single lyric and truly warms the heart. The melody being soft, slow and simple and lets listeners take in every single lyric knowing it represents something special for Jane herself. 7) Ive Never Been To Me - This song is a very emotional song that everyone can relate to in some way or another, it speaks as a song sang by someone with experience, its a song thats lyrics replicate the lives of many people out there in the world. It says that no matter what you do in your life and how many adventures you go on to make sure you find yourself and not lose yourself along the way. It speaks of living a dream and living in paradise and missing out on things that could make you complete. It tells us all a story that at some point or other we can smile and relate and is sure to bring a tear or 5 to your eyes. 8) Love Is All - Head bopping during the verses...this is definitely a big ballad where the audience would sway there arms. McDonalds vocals are huge on the notes and pure emotion can be heard throughout. Ending with a huge Sheffield finish, sure to grab the audiences attention 9) If You Go Away - A Dusty Springfield cover, Janes vulnerability can be heard in her vocals which appear to be delicate and whispery places. Jane then shocks fans by singing in French, you almost believe its her native language - , a vulnerability can be still heard especially against the gentle medley. 10) Yesterday When I Was Young - Singing against a piano medley, Janes vocals are raw as she sings almost acoustically during the first verse of the song. As the song divulges into the second part and the music picks up, the song turns into a great little foot-tapper. The song is excellent with so many different musical paces - gentle piano, extremely quick, acoustic, to an excellent solo of a variety of instruments - it certainly keeps the audience interested. 11) God Only Knows - Starting off as a gentle piano medley, McDonalds vocals are beautiful as they reach both high and low notes sending shivers down anybodys spine. The audience are thrown into this slow beautiful ballad which soon transcends into big anthem of guitar solos and drums. A huge shock to anyone listening, its definitely one not to be overlooked on the album. Its a song to wake you up and show everyone that this lady can sing! 12) Guess Who I Saw Today - This song is something extremely new on the album. Just Jane and her guitarist Steve Cooper who is playing acoustically, Jane takes everyone through a story of married woman seeing her husband with someone else. Although there is no visual video, McDonalds vocals and acoustics of Cooper help the audience picture a story.. 13) When October Goes - Janes vocals are pure and so clear on the wording on this song that when you close your eyes you can once again visualise each lyric. Her vocals are passionate and raw and in this song in particular sends shivers down the spine. Jane has made this song her own! 14) Youve Made Me So Very Happy - After such an emotional rollercoaster of an album, Jane finishes with a track which makes you want to get up and dance. Full of life, this song makes you want to clap and sing along This album is definitely a huge highlight of Janes career and has done her justice in every area; not just vocally. The Singer Of Your Song takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and there are tracks which are perfect for when youre happy or when you are sad, youll benefit either way from listening. Its safe to say that after a six year break in the album department, Jane is back with a bang and here to stay... Is she The Singer Of Your Song ? She is ours! Review written by - Jolie Murrell & Katie Abbott (TeamJMD) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We hope you like our review and we done it justice :) - Jolie and Katie x
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 00:38:09 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015