Anthems

For a genre that demands a forceful presence, this album sadly disappoints. It may be the miking but Watson is almost a background addition to the songs (indeed when songs are sung, e.g., in the last track, "God Save the Queen" there's no singing!). It just seems that Watson isn't up to it.

Let's face it: few people on earth can sing such a wide variety of music as does Russell Watson. From Motown to Sinatra to Bizet, this guy is fabulous. This CD gives you music to make you proud of whatever you want to feel pride in. He does another Freddy Mercury/Queen song, "We Are the Champions". And RW is! If you like any of his music, you will love this CD. There is a new version of Nimrod on this CD: Russell recites a touching and beautiful poem while an orchestral version of Nimrod is going on in the background. Listen to it carefully, thoughfully. It really is quite stirring.

I have been a Russell Watson fan ever since we lived in England for 9 years. He was just getting "big" in the music industry when we were there. It is wonderful to hear him recording again and to know that he is doing much better health wise. This is the epitome of a wonderful tribute to the best music in his country. I loved it and have to admit I get a little homesick for my adopted country every time I play it, which I do, over and over again.

I really wanted to like this, as I have several of his CD's that I do love, but this one didn't make it for me. I put it away the first time I played it, but decided I might not have been in the right mood, so after a few months, I gave it another and last try. The intros and intervals were thin and interminable. It reminded me of sitting in church and watching the clock waiting for it to end. Perhaps I just wasn't familiar enough with some of the selections; yet, my favorites were there: Danny Boy, for example was backed by a plinky plunk piano; The chorus background didn't go well with his vocal. The arrangements reminded me of the 40's and the Andrew Sisters backup. I did like the bagpipes on Flower of Scotland, and enjoyed the lyrical reading of the poetry, Nimrod. I thought Swing Low needed more depth, and overall, I wasn't inspired. But then, it was made for the Brits, so my opinion shouldn't matter anyway. And as I said, I LOVE his other music.

I understand Russell Watson has had some difficulties lately, but that doesn't explain this disappointing album. First and foremost, the music is positively insipid, lacking any intensity or variety. Whoever orchestrated this was a dismal failure. Secondly, The Voice. Why did Watson choose these anthems? Two of them are sung in the lower range of his voice, and he sounds a bit like Jim Nabors...very nasal. More are sung at the higher end of the tenor range, and he sounds like Rod Stewart, which isn't necessarily bad, but definitely raspy. However, two other songs in the mid-range hint of The Voice I know and love. To me, this proves his voice has not been so badly damaged that he can't deliver a top-notch performance. And why did he pick some of these songs? I love We Are the Champions, but that song is *owned* by Queen, and a single voice (with the horrid music) just can't cut it. And Swing Low, Sweet Chariot? I know it's traditionally a black hymn, but did Russell really need to sing it so damn low? Other songs, including my favorite, World in Union, are adequate but still destroyed by the bad musical arrangements. I won't be playing this album again in its entirety, although I may transfer a few tracks to a mix. Will I buy another album? Of course...this one hints that the greatness is still there, and I'm eager to give Russell Watson another chance!

I love Russell Watson, but some of the tracks don't even have his singing, rather instrumental or narration. Not sure why this is. My favorite was Calon Lan, but the EQ on the men's chorus seemed to have the highs chopped off, so had a dull, low sound. I'm still glad I bought the album though.

Russell Watson never ceases to amaze me with his wide array of musical interests. This CD is no exception. It is a collection of songs that have been used to inspire. Vocal style changes to match the message of each song. While this CD does not include the classical music that Russell has become popular for, it will still be a nice addition to a Watson fan's collection.

I love everything about Russell Watson's music. Even though I was unfamiliar with a few of the songs on this album, I still enjoyed them all immensely. I have every single one of Watson's albums and wish he had more US concerts/engagements. Highly recommend this album.