This 20th anniversary album feels like a true celebration of their talent.
Mixing pop songs with more traditional and classical vibe has always played to Il Divo’s strengths as a group and this very much on display on the group’s 10th album, which has seen new member Steven LaBrie joining the group following the sad passing of Carlos Marin in 2021.
From start to finish, there is drama and high emotion that is expressed with perfect harmonies to make it feel like a true celebration of what Il Divo have consistently managed to achieve with the music that they put out.
There is a sensitivity to their rendition of ‘Crazy’ finds hidden new depths to the lyrics in a thought provoking way, while ‘Never Enough’ builds in drama and theatricality wonderfully. The musicians and orchestrations work perfectly in giving new nuance to familiar songs.
At 43 minutes long, there is plenty for listeners to enjoy and appreciate without it ever feeling as though it is outstaying its welcome. Particular highlights of the album include the lush sounding ‘No Tengo Nada’ that makes the most of the pitch perfect harmonies of each group member and their rendition of Elvis’s ‘Always On My Mind’ is a wonderful way to complete the album, filled with heart and soul.
The production values can’t be underestimated either: each song distinctive in this way as heard on ‘Perfect’ and ‘The Power of Love’ – both of which have plenty of romance, with both the arrangements and the way in which the production team have created the lush sounds without being over the top.
It is also thanks to the production team and musicians that you can really pick up each and every bit of detail of each track that manages to keep the audience thoroughly engaged with each song. There is an easy elegance to it that keeps the album feeling sophisticated – listen to tracks such as ‘Despacito’ ‘Talking to the Moon’ for example – both are unhurried and careful, showing just how much thought has gone into the album.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vocals are all pitch perfect along with some outstanding harmonies that are filled with warmth that highlights just why Il Divo have been so successful during their career.
It is a real treat of an album to listen to.
By Emma Clarendon
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
XX is available to buy and download now .