It's a Michael Day!!

Thank you, Gretchen!!!!
I love you!!!
Well, I loved you before today, but you know what I mean.
*grins*
You're probably sitting in a pub eating bangers and mash or shopping at Liberty.
*sigh*

Well, I received a lovely package in the mail today, containing...


I really wasn't sure what to think about this album when the news came out with the track listing and everything. The idea is nice, but I wasn't sure about the material. Then I listened to soundclips and still didn't know what to think.
But I reminded myself of what happened with Centre Stage. I was sure I wouldn't like that one and I ended up loving it.
Well, I'm happy to say that A Love Story will probably have the same fate. :)

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!
Finally, an album that fits the talent!
Not that his past albums were all stinkers, but this one is just brilliant.
Absolutely brilliant.
I'm sure a lot of the fans don't care for it at all and I can understand why. It's totally unlike anything he's done, other than the Donmar show.
It's very mellow, very Bacharach. This is not your typical Michael Ball Belting It Out To The Rooftops Album.
Becca and I have discussed how his style of singing has changed over the last several years and on this album he stays with the very soft and smooth style, rather heavy on the vibrato, but it works somehow. His voice is like a slice of butter, melting on a warm pancake. It curls around you slowly and draws you in.
The only time he really lets 'er rip is on God Give Me Strength and even then, it's a very emotional and raspy voice that sounds like it hasn't been getting much sleep.
The only problem is that the album seems too short!! I can only imagine how hard it must have been to fit everything into 47 minutes, considering the endless song possibilities. Michael has such a gift for telling a story with a song.

I must admit, the duet with Antonio Banderas on Me and My Shadow is cute. The picture of them in their matching shirts makes you smile. :) Just a couple of guys goofing off and getting paid for it. Must be nice.
*winks*

Whoever decided on the cover photo and design should get a raise. It's perfect for the theme of the album. Also, very smart decision to release it in the fall.

The producing and arranging and orchestrations are just fab. I'm so happy that he's finally getting the right musicians and producers to show off his talent. I've been saying for years that he needed to get away from the same old people and work with a different team.
The concept of this album is definitely risky and I applaud him for taking that risk.
Three cheers for the blue eyed Brit who, lucky for us, never even tried to be an estate agent!!!