Russell Watson - Anthems

28 May 2012

Artist: Russell Watson

Album: Anthems

Label: Sony Music

OUT NOW

Rating: 3.5/5

Russell Watson is one of the greatest tenors that this country has ever produced but with this new album Anthems he shows a very different side to himself.

In Jubilee and Olympic year Watson shows his patriotic side as he puts his spin on a collection of well known and patriotic tracks.

The hugely emotive Race To The End (theme from Chariots of Fire) is a fitting and rousing start to this album. But it is a delicate vocal display from Watson as he shows that he is more than just the long and powerful notes.

The strings are just beautiful on the track and it really is a very powerful and emotional start to this album.

However Watson shows off his more operatic side on Swing Low and he is supported by a full choir and orchestra in what is a great cover of this track.

Tacking a Queen classic such as We Are The Champions is always a risky business but Watson has confidently but his stamp on this well known and incredibly popular tune.

The pace and rock as aspect has been stripped back and instead Watson’s vocals are supported by an orchestra and it works well. Of course there will be some who say that it should be left as a rock track but this is fresh take on a track that is so often covered in the same vein as the original.

But no anthems album would be complete without Jerusalem and Watson’s rich and powerful vocals are just perfect for this track.

And it is a traditional recording of this song that is rousing from start to finish as the supporting choir give the track that extra punch.

The version of Flower of Scotland & Land of Hope and Glory are also incredibly traditional renditions that Watson nails vocally.

Anthems is a truly British affair that shows that Watson is on top form vocally but it also perfect for the events that are just around the corner.

Russell Watson - Anthems is out now

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw

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