Pop Idol triumphant. Housewives pin-up and gay lads wet dream. Oh yes, over the past decade Will Young has been and continues to be, all of these things and more besides. As William Robert Young’s charismatic character is one that endears whether he is treading the boards in theatre, appearing in TV and Movie productions or more in our favour making music. Will has successfully juggled all these career areas and thus made quite a name for himself in the process.
Since the last album release of “Echoes” some 4 years ago, it has been the acting which has mainly been Will’s focus, but now it’s time to get back into the music!
Earlier announced during last week and premiered to radio on Friday, single “Love Revolution” acts as the lead track of Will’s 6th studio album “85% Proof”.
I was taken aback when I first heard this single and it’s taken a few listens to digest. Taken aback because that’s what Will appears to have done, right back to his bashful Pop Idol audition where he turned to “Blame It On The Boogie” to compliment his soulfully project vocals. This new album venture, the first on being signed to Island Records, and this first single is definitely digging on the throwback trend, kind of a bit like Nathan Sykes if “Love Revolution” is anything to go by, as its Motown-esque old skool soul that Will has plumped to go with. Unlike Nathan’s “More Than You’ll Ever Know” big crooning effort, Will goes for something more upbeat by way of production and by golly, he’s swallowed a sample of Tomcraft’s “Loneliness” into the lyrics!
On first impression, I’m not sure how this bodes in the context of a full album as “Love Revolution” really plays to the Radio 2 market. Although, I’m confident Will, will have carefully thought on it and as we in turn get to hear more of it, my opinion is very open to change. As anyways, I’d probably still have a soft spot for Will if he sang some country, since I’m to be counted as another of those housewives who gets weak with hot flushes at the mere mention of Will’s vocals but as luck would have it I still have the souvenir Will Young tea towel from the Echoes tour to fan myself down with.
Will is quite known for going somewhere else with his video’s and “Love Revolution” is no different in thinking, as Will is transformed into a kitsch power selling magnate / enthusiastic preacher type overseen in a futuristic fantasy set-up, spreading the message of love. The vibrant choice of colours in this visual together with Will’s beaming colegate smile are guaranteed to brighten up your day, if nothing else does.
The album “85% Proof” is now exclusively up for pre-order at Will’s website.
Whilst “Love Revolution” has arrived on iTunes.