2007 is starting to look like the year for the big come back albums, even Whitney Houston did it and let’s not kid a lot of people didn’t see that one coming. But Westlife fans will love this: WESTLIFE IS BACK, doing their fans justice with their new album; Back Home.
On Back Home the boys are doing what they do best; powerful ballads and classic covers. Having made their mark even back in the day; they have come a long way from the teeny-pop boy band, evolving into a talented adult contemporary act.
The Irish balladeers are propelling this new album, and what will no doubt be yet another chart-topping platinum-seller, with a cover of Michael Bublé’s “Home”. Reportedly chosen for the band by Simon Cowell, the song’s delivery is smooth, differing only slightly from the original in lyrical arrangement. Refreshingly there are only two other covers on this album; the Brandy original “Have You Ever” penned by Diane Warren and “I’m Already There”, originally by American country band, Lonestar.
Bringing in new song writers and arrangers, the album’s new material reflect strong harmonies with soulful melodies to deliver an epic album. The new influences have also brought about some interesting sounding tracks and although Back Home is mostly ballads, there are some upbeat tracks, showcasing Shane and Mark’s voices.
Vocals have been the strength of Westlife, from day one and with “When I’m With You”, a slightly R&B influenced song, the guys demonstrate this again with Shane stealing the show by giving it his all and his fellows beautifully supporting him.
Other stand out tracks include the striking “It’s You”, the sentimental “Catch My Breath” and the funky pop song “The Easy Way”.
Ending the album on a sweet note, “You Must Have Had A Broken Heart” is a slow love song with a brilliant chorus, proving that to last this long and release so many albums and singles, all you need is good music performed by talented artists and nothing else.
After offering fans mostly covers since Brian McFadden left, Back Home is a fresh come back for the quartet with more original melodies and an overall good feel to it. |
