Here’s a few music offerings that we have enjoyed this year…
Harlequin by Lady Gaga: this companion album to the sequel to the film Joker really showcases the singer’s diverse vocals to the fullest and there are some really lovely arrangements for songs such as ‘Smile’ and ‘Close to You’ that make you appreciate them in a different way.
Seeing Shania Twain as part of the BST Hyde Park concert: goodness this was a concert that really brought her fans together – despite her suffering with a cold. This was a vibrant and fun-filled concert that also contained plenty of nostalgia. Throughout, she engaged with her audience effectively to make it feel surprisingly intimate, with highlights including her renditions of ‘Giddy Up!’ and ‘From This Moment On’.
Attending The Elixir of Love at the London Coliseum: this year saw us attending our first opera at the ENO’s London home of the London Coliseum and what a performance it was! The cast delivered fabulous performances and this production was accessible for all – whether you are new to the world of opera or someone looking to be entertained.
Satellites by The Script: filled with introspection and new direction, The Script’s latest album does truly reflect a group that are moving in a new direction in a positive way, despite the sadness that still lingers over the loss of Mark Sheehan. Highlights of the album includes ‘Unsaid’ and ‘Gone’ .
The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift: there is no doubting that Taylor Swift has proved to be one of the biggest stars of the year given the mammoth tour that she embarked on, but her latest album has also proved to be a real standout. In each song for this album there is great power and intensity of feeling that shows how much Swift cares about the songs that she includes on her albums. Particular highlights on this one include: ‘My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys’ and ‘But Daddy, I Love Him’. What she is going to do is anybody’s guess…
XX by Il Divo: this latest album from the group to celebrate their 20th anniversary really plays to their strengths. Highlights include their renditions of ‘Crazy’ and ‘Always on My Mind’ providing new depths to the songs that are pleasing to the ear.
Swing Fever by Rod Stewart and Jools Holland: this was a joyous and simply fun album to listen to, with brilliant new orchestrations and performances of songs such as ‘Pennies From Heaven’ and ‘Ain’t Mishavin”. While filled with nostalgia, it offers a fresh perspective on many familiar songs.
A Place in Your Heart by Gabrielle: this album really showcased the fact that Gabrielle has lost none of her talents as a song writer – just listen to songs such as ‘A Place in Your Heart’ and ‘ Taken Over’ to see just how confident and compelling her songs are to listen to.