Friday`s Child Reviews
BBC Review - Source
If the hateful beast of reality pop has one saving grace, it is that the fortunes of the eventual winners and losers have twisted and turned like the snake that dreamt the whole devilish idea up.
The irony of the losers Liberty X being ten times the band that Hear'Say could ever have been was thick enough to butter a thousand slices of bread. Add the completely blinkered approach to Pop Idol, which almost saw Will Young pushed aside in favour of the soulless stuttering sap Gareth Gates was both hilarious and sickening.
It's Will that will have the final laugh though, as his second album, Friday's child, shows.
He's clearly been allowed to create a sound that reflects his ideas and abilities in a way that the manipulated and frankly vomit inducing Gates could never manage. Young has shown a maturity and a drive to succeed and he seems to have a very good ear for catchy pop soul.
Opening with a gospel-washed version of Stephen Stills "Love The One You're With", Friday's Child is a surprisingly strong collection. Much like Liberty X's Being Somebody, the album has enough confidence and style to paper over the weak points.
The first single, "Leave Right Now" is a gloriously understated affair and that feeling flows through the majority of the tunes on offer. Particular praise goes to the twitching dinner party funk of "Dance The Night Away" and the epic nine minute closing title track. Most refreshing of all is the genuine subtlety of the tracks, something that is badly missing from most of Young's contemporaries' work.
Friday's Child may sound a little 'coffee table' at times, but that's a reflection of the fans Young has and wants. It has always looked a little bizarre to pit Will against Gareth, now it is just downright ridiculous. While Gates audience currently rates him in their favourites somewhere between Barbie and the Tweenies, Young is moving even further upmarket, and that's where pop career longevity lives.
If the hateful beast of reality pop has one saving grace, it is that the fortunes of the eventual winners and losers have twisted and turned like the snake that dreamt the whole devilish idea up.
The irony of the losers Liberty X being ten times the band that Hear'Say could ever have been was thick enough to butter a thousand slices of bread. Add the completely blinkered approach to Pop Idol, which almost saw Will Young pushed aside in favour of the soulless stuttering sap Gareth Gates was both hilarious and sickening.
It's Will that will have the final laugh though, as his second album, Friday's child, shows.
He's clearly been allowed to create a sound that reflects his ideas and abilities in a way that the manipulated and frankly vomit inducing Gates could never manage. Young has shown a maturity and a drive to succeed and he seems to have a very good ear for catchy pop soul.
Opening with a gospel-washed version of Stephen Stills "Love The One You're With", Friday's Child is a surprisingly strong collection. Much like Liberty X's Being Somebody, the album has enough confidence and style to paper over the weak points.
The first single, "Leave Right Now" is a gloriously understated affair and that feeling flows through the majority of the tunes on offer. Particular praise goes to the twitching dinner party funk of "Dance The Night Away" and the epic nine minute closing title track. Most refreshing of all is the genuine subtlety of the tracks, something that is badly missing from most of Young's contemporaries' work.
Friday's Child may sound a little 'coffee table' at times, but that's a reflection of the fans Young has and wants. It has always looked a little bizarre to pit Will against Gareth, now it is just downright ridiculous. While Gates audience currently rates him in their favourites somewhere between Barbie and the Tweenies, Young is moving even further upmarket, and that's where pop career longevity lives.
UKMix - Source
Nearly two years after his famous Pop Idol victory over Gareth Gates, Will Young releases the ever tricky second album.
Young holed himself in a studio with some top-notch producers and songwriters and subsequently released a ballad as the lead-off single, "Leave Right Now". Showcasing his vocals, the single was an immediate hit and has sold over 500,000 copies in the UK, proving Will Young is still very much a pop idol. However, is the rest of his album reminiscent of a typical "70% covers" reality TV release?
The title track is as far from Pop Idol as you can get - nine minutes in length, oozing a relaxing jazz/soul atmosphere, with a chorus that infiltrates your mind and won't leave. Other stand-out tracks include "Love Is A Matter Of Distance", a slightly country-tinged ballad, and "Very Kind", a blues-influenced number Will wrote with acclaimed singer/songwriter Robin Thicke.
Second single, "You're Game", is another example of the many sides of Will Young. Backed by an orchestra and a gospel choir, Will soars through the song with a very 90s feel to it. He also tries his hand at some funky up-tempo numbers in "Dance The Night Away" and "Free".
"Friday's Child" successfully shows Will Young's growth from out of the Pop Idol shadow.
Nearly two years after his famous Pop Idol victory over Gareth Gates, Will Young releases the ever tricky second album.
Young holed himself in a studio with some top-notch producers and songwriters and subsequently released a ballad as the lead-off single, "Leave Right Now". Showcasing his vocals, the single was an immediate hit and has sold over 500,000 copies in the UK, proving Will Young is still very much a pop idol. However, is the rest of his album reminiscent of a typical "70% covers" reality TV release?
The title track is as far from Pop Idol as you can get - nine minutes in length, oozing a relaxing jazz/soul atmosphere, with a chorus that infiltrates your mind and won't leave. Other stand-out tracks include "Love Is A Matter Of Distance", a slightly country-tinged ballad, and "Very Kind", a blues-influenced number Will wrote with acclaimed singer/songwriter Robin Thicke.
Second single, "You're Game", is another example of the many sides of Will Young. Backed by an orchestra and a gospel choir, Will soars through the song with a very 90s feel to it. He also tries his hand at some funky up-tempo numbers in "Dance The Night Away" and "Free".
"Friday's Child" successfully shows Will Young's growth from out of the Pop Idol shadow.
allmusic - Source
The difficult second album is perhaps more difficult for a reality pop star than anyone else. It's almost a guarantee that no matter what the quality, any debut album from an artist who's had a captive audience of millions of viewers every Saturday night will sell by the bucketload. Even the long-forgotten ‘Steve Brookstein and Journey South have had number one albums. But it's what you do after, without the constant mass exposure, that can determine career longevity. Pop Idol winner Will Young was lucky in the respect that his debut, From Now On, gave him a relatively strong platform to launch from. Not as rush-released as Popstars HearSay's first effort, and with the likes of Burt Bacharach and Cathy Denis on board, it was a well-produced if sometimes unimaginative collection of songs that justified his position as one of Britain's most popular singers. But with a determination not to be pigeonholed by Simon Cowell, Young has made the brave decision to move away from pop's most influential man for follow-up Friday’s Child. So this time round, there are no duets with Gareth Gates, no big power ballads, and certainly no Westlife cover versions. Instead, it's a much more personal affair that showcases both his songwriting talent (Young receives co-writing credits on six of the eleven tracks here) and his undoubtedly unique soulful tones. Lead single "Leave Right Now" is already considered a modern classic, its gentle acoustic verses, impassioned chorus, and sweeping strings are about a million miles away from his inherently corny debut single "Evergreen." It's a statement of intent that confirms his decision to do things his own way has most definitely paid off. With the help of writers Karen Poole, Eg White, and ~Steve Lipson, the majority of Friday’s Child is just as convincing. "Your Game," a Best British Single winner at the 2005 Brits, recalls the '80s soul-pop of the Blow Monkeys thanks to its gospel choir and funky basslines; "Dance the Night Away" and "Out of My Mind" are reminiscent of Off the Wall era Michael Jackson, and "Love the One You're With," the only cover on the album, is an uplifting rendition of the Stephen Stills folk classic. Best of all is the epic seven-minute long title track, a jazz-influenced chill-out number which sounds like the missing link between the Lighthouse Family and Groove Armada. While certainly far more adventurous than his debut, it still sometimes lapses into MOR territory, particularly on the Simply Red-esque "Free" and the rather aimless and ultimately quite drab acoustic ballad "Very Kind." But overall, Friday’s Child undoubtedly bury the reality pop tag once and for all. Britain's first Pop Idol has become an artist in his own right and the fact he's done it without the Cowell juggernaut behind him should make its success even sweeter.
Amazon UK - Source
Any doubts concerning the longevity of Will Young's career post Pop Idol can be put to rest with one listen of Friday's Child. His first release, From Now On, was a mismatch of covers and styles--hardly a good vehicle for the singer who had to go through so much for the privilege. Now Young has taken what he's good at (soulful voice, housewife appeal) and fed it through some well considered songs and rich production.
"Leave Right Now" is pure, premium white soul-pop--superbly written, expertly delivered, with a refrain that is as catchy as any of the disposable pop currently being consumed by the teenage masses. "Love the One You're With" is an acoustic-based, gospel-tinged mélange of "mmms" and "ooohs" and almost tips the title track from being the best song on the album. "Friday's Child" is an epic, stirring, string-based cut that has the luxurious feeling of a sunny afternoon spent reading the papers and wandering from pub to pub.
Friday's Child is a timely reminder that pop isn't just for pre-pubescents. There are no half-baked album fillers here (hello Rachel Stephens), no D-side rejects and definitely no Stevie Wonder covers. Will Young has produced an album of substance and for that we should all be grateful. --Cortman Virtue
Dayoo - Source
After having a debut successful year the next step for Mr Young was a second album that would be successful. No reality TV winner, up to now had survived the tough second album test. This album however was a brilliant success in comparison to his debut album - it's actually an improvement and it musically defines Young as the artist we know now for being unique and interesting.
Love The One You're With is a brilliant song that we all must know from the old times, a cover Young adds a gospel choir and sings and hums with passion all through it, a fab album opener. Your Game is a preview of Young's musicality and development of his career, the lyrics are genius in the verses and a chorus like no other, Young shines and shines on this. Stronger, is a ode to Cowell I say - I in particular like the ''won first place, take second best' line from the second verse - possibly a reference to Gareth losing but being treated as a winner by the label. Leave Right Now, is one of the best songs released by any artist of the decade. A great verse and open and a even better chorus. Young's delivery is sincere and emotional - it's not surprising to note it was number one for quite a while when released.
Love Is A Matter Of Distance, another cover but not one people know of. It's not Will Young's choice of song I presume - I think the song is brilliant but there's something missing on it though. Dance The Night Away, is groovy and lyrically genius! I think it's Motown and interestingly I think Will's hums and eehhhs go brilliant on it. Very Kind, I love the clicks, I love the emotional of the song and i think it's haunting - I'm stunned it wasn't released as a single. Free, is groovy much like Dance the Night Away - it's amazing how Young's voice sounds so good all layered together. Going My Way, is a message from Young to say he's taking control of his career. Out Of My Mind is my fave song on the album -I love the ''breaking down the rules that I'm falling apart'' bits, so groovy and dancey it made me get up when i first heard it. Friday's Child - what an end to a great album, 11 minutes of musical genius and mostly a instrumental I think it works well as a album closer.
All in all, a brilliant album by Young who has defied the reality TV test by having a successful music career done by taking control of his career and defining his musical genre with brilliance.
5 stars
South Wales Argus - Source
THINK back. Who won the first Pop Idol? As much as Gareth Gates has been wooing the media, it was in fact Will Young who took the prize. And when you listen to the honeyed tones on his newest album Friday's Child, you can see why.
The CD kicks off with a cover of 'Love The One You're With', and while this is nothing to write home about, it is a very solid rendition. He has already released Leave Right Now as a single, which shows a darker side of his personality.
There are 11 tracks on the CD, and they have quite a nice variety.
With many tracks co-written by Will, this album has a sense of individuality and freedom . It takes the listener through many emotions with jazzier tunes like 'Dance The Night Away' to the stunning sound of the track chosen to title the album, 'Friday's Child'.
This album does start to make you move your feet, but it ends up being an excellent soundtrack to a relaxing night. All in all, a lovely stocking filler.
The difficult second album is perhaps more difficult for a reality pop star than anyone else. It's almost a guarantee that no matter what the quality, any debut album from an artist who's had a captive audience of millions of viewers every Saturday night will sell by the bucketload. Even the long-forgotten ‘Steve Brookstein and Journey South have had number one albums. But it's what you do after, without the constant mass exposure, that can determine career longevity. Pop Idol winner Will Young was lucky in the respect that his debut, From Now On, gave him a relatively strong platform to launch from. Not as rush-released as Popstars HearSay's first effort, and with the likes of Burt Bacharach and Cathy Denis on board, it was a well-produced if sometimes unimaginative collection of songs that justified his position as one of Britain's most popular singers. But with a determination not to be pigeonholed by Simon Cowell, Young has made the brave decision to move away from pop's most influential man for follow-up Friday’s Child. So this time round, there are no duets with Gareth Gates, no big power ballads, and certainly no Westlife cover versions. Instead, it's a much more personal affair that showcases both his songwriting talent (Young receives co-writing credits on six of the eleven tracks here) and his undoubtedly unique soulful tones. Lead single "Leave Right Now" is already considered a modern classic, its gentle acoustic verses, impassioned chorus, and sweeping strings are about a million miles away from his inherently corny debut single "Evergreen." It's a statement of intent that confirms his decision to do things his own way has most definitely paid off. With the help of writers Karen Poole, Eg White, and ~Steve Lipson, the majority of Friday’s Child is just as convincing. "Your Game," a Best British Single winner at the 2005 Brits, recalls the '80s soul-pop of the Blow Monkeys thanks to its gospel choir and funky basslines; "Dance the Night Away" and "Out of My Mind" are reminiscent of Off the Wall era Michael Jackson, and "Love the One You're With," the only cover on the album, is an uplifting rendition of the Stephen Stills folk classic. Best of all is the epic seven-minute long title track, a jazz-influenced chill-out number which sounds like the missing link between the Lighthouse Family and Groove Armada. While certainly far more adventurous than his debut, it still sometimes lapses into MOR territory, particularly on the Simply Red-esque "Free" and the rather aimless and ultimately quite drab acoustic ballad "Very Kind." But overall, Friday’s Child undoubtedly bury the reality pop tag once and for all. Britain's first Pop Idol has become an artist in his own right and the fact he's done it without the Cowell juggernaut behind him should make its success even sweeter.
Amazon UK - Source
Any doubts concerning the longevity of Will Young's career post Pop Idol can be put to rest with one listen of Friday's Child. His first release, From Now On, was a mismatch of covers and styles--hardly a good vehicle for the singer who had to go through so much for the privilege. Now Young has taken what he's good at (soulful voice, housewife appeal) and fed it through some well considered songs and rich production.
"Leave Right Now" is pure, premium white soul-pop--superbly written, expertly delivered, with a refrain that is as catchy as any of the disposable pop currently being consumed by the teenage masses. "Love the One You're With" is an acoustic-based, gospel-tinged mélange of "mmms" and "ooohs" and almost tips the title track from being the best song on the album. "Friday's Child" is an epic, stirring, string-based cut that has the luxurious feeling of a sunny afternoon spent reading the papers and wandering from pub to pub.
Friday's Child is a timely reminder that pop isn't just for pre-pubescents. There are no half-baked album fillers here (hello Rachel Stephens), no D-side rejects and definitely no Stevie Wonder covers. Will Young has produced an album of substance and for that we should all be grateful. --Cortman Virtue
Dayoo - Source
After having a debut successful year the next step for Mr Young was a second album that would be successful. No reality TV winner, up to now had survived the tough second album test. This album however was a brilliant success in comparison to his debut album - it's actually an improvement and it musically defines Young as the artist we know now for being unique and interesting.
Love The One You're With is a brilliant song that we all must know from the old times, a cover Young adds a gospel choir and sings and hums with passion all through it, a fab album opener. Your Game is a preview of Young's musicality and development of his career, the lyrics are genius in the verses and a chorus like no other, Young shines and shines on this. Stronger, is a ode to Cowell I say - I in particular like the ''won first place, take second best' line from the second verse - possibly a reference to Gareth losing but being treated as a winner by the label. Leave Right Now, is one of the best songs released by any artist of the decade. A great verse and open and a even better chorus. Young's delivery is sincere and emotional - it's not surprising to note it was number one for quite a while when released.
Love Is A Matter Of Distance, another cover but not one people know of. It's not Will Young's choice of song I presume - I think the song is brilliant but there's something missing on it though. Dance The Night Away, is groovy and lyrically genius! I think it's Motown and interestingly I think Will's hums and eehhhs go brilliant on it. Very Kind, I love the clicks, I love the emotional of the song and i think it's haunting - I'm stunned it wasn't released as a single. Free, is groovy much like Dance the Night Away - it's amazing how Young's voice sounds so good all layered together. Going My Way, is a message from Young to say he's taking control of his career. Out Of My Mind is my fave song on the album -I love the ''breaking down the rules that I'm falling apart'' bits, so groovy and dancey it made me get up when i first heard it. Friday's Child - what an end to a great album, 11 minutes of musical genius and mostly a instrumental I think it works well as a album closer.
All in all, a brilliant album by Young who has defied the reality TV test by having a successful music career done by taking control of his career and defining his musical genre with brilliance.
5 stars
South Wales Argus - Source
THINK back. Who won the first Pop Idol? As much as Gareth Gates has been wooing the media, it was in fact Will Young who took the prize. And when you listen to the honeyed tones on his newest album Friday's Child, you can see why.
The CD kicks off with a cover of 'Love The One You're With', and while this is nothing to write home about, it is a very solid rendition. He has already released Leave Right Now as a single, which shows a darker side of his personality.
There are 11 tracks on the CD, and they have quite a nice variety.
With many tracks co-written by Will, this album has a sense of individuality and freedom . It takes the listener through many emotions with jazzier tunes like 'Dance The Night Away' to the stunning sound of the track chosen to title the album, 'Friday's Child'.
This album does start to make you move your feet, but it ends up being an excellent soundtrack to a relaxing night. All in all, a lovely stocking filler.