SOUND JUDGEMENT
THE LATEST ALBUM RELEASES RATED AND REVIEWED
JESS GLYNNE ALWAYS IN BETWEEN
EARLIER this year, the 28-year-old Londoner became the first British female solo artist to score seven number one singles thanks to I’ll Be There. The new album’s lead single, is admittedly a strong song, but one that could be described as a sequel to 2015’s Hold My Hand. However, her second album offers up so much more as Glynne mixes it up, offering surprises that go above and beyond its lead single.
No One is full of anticipation with an infectious beat that builds to each chorus, showing off the singer’s brawny vocals, while anthemic Thursday strikes a chord by slowing things down. Ska-tainted, groovy 123 is a nice change of pace for Glynne, Rollin’ is a splendid dance pop-meets country effort. Won’t Say No is the real highlight, a grubby, dubby, edgy 1990s pop-sounding song.
RICK WAKEMAN PIANO ODYSSEY
AFTER nearly 50 years of touring, travelling and recording with stars like David Bowie and Cat Stevens, you could be forgiven for thinking Rick Wakeman deserves a chance to indulge himself. And that’s exactly what the keyboardist does on his new album which sees him eschew his trusty array of moogs, and keyboards in favour of the grand piano.
Wakeman is best known as the keyboardist for Yes, and therefore as a pioneer of progressive rock. But if Wakeman is anything on Piano Odyssey, he’s regressive, taking on well-worn classics and opting for pleasingly uncomplicated arrangements. More an exercise in experimentation, Piano Odyssey won’t take listeners anywhere uncomfortable, surprising or even new but it is undeniably satisfying to hear a virtuoso like Wakeman get his hands on these classic songs.
TOM ODELL JUBILEE ROAD
IT has been six years since hit single Another Love burst into our speakers. A number one album, a number two album and a world tour followed. Even a muted critical response couldn’t dull his shine.
The 27-year-old has a great voice but without songwriting chops his rasping tones can come to little. Kernels of great songs exist here but there’s much else missing.