Both singers from their background in musical theatre have plenty to offer on this album that really brings a sense of drama and passion that will be appreciated by all musical theatre fans .
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe might have drastically different tones to their voices and different backgrounds in musical theatre – but despite this their voices seem to work particularly well together.
The album features a wonderful range of different songs from film and stage – such as ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story and ‘A Thousand Years’ as used in the film Twilight, giving fresh interpretations to well known songs.
Having both appeared in Les Miserables, it is somewhat appropriate that the album begins with a Les Miserables Suite comprised of ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ and the iconic ‘I Dreamed a Dream’. While this is a great selection of songs, to put them together somehow it doesn’t quite work and the transitions between the songs feel quite stilted. It also highlights the differences in vocals – with Boe perhaps coming out as the stronger, with a greater range and depth in each of his sections.
But Michael Ball also has strong moments as well – particularly on tracks such as ‘Somewhere’ when he is able to really draw out the emotion of the song, with just a hint of drama without loosing control.
In terms of harmony, the majority of the time both singers seem in tune to each other, never outdoing each other as you can hear on ‘Music of the Night’. It is quite clear that both have plenty of respect for each other and the music that they are interpreting.
Highlights of the album include a beautiful rendition of ‘Anthem’ from the musical Chess, with its sense of grandness and yet it is well controlled vocally that makes the listener sit up and pay attention.
It is a musical collaboration that really works and is a delight to listen to from beginning to end. While it might not be flawless, with the occasional harmony not quite fitting together as it should, it is still a pleasurable album to listen to.
Together is available to buy through Amazon.
Rating: ❤❤❤❤