Search - Will Young :: Friday's Child

Gay boys rule!

Nasser Alqatami | 02/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Reality music competitions have always been a time for celebration. Who can forget Star Search, where Christina Aguilera and Destiny's Child first showcased their talents? Or Eurovision, which launched stars from Celine Dion to Dana International. Now with the sudden interest in reality, if you were to call it that, this phenomenon has flourished to its fullest. From O-Town being put together on TV to P. Diddy's Making the Band to Star Academy.

Pop Idol, a British TV show that grew to instant fame and became somewhat of an international trend, started the recent craze. While many tune in to watch what Simon Cowell has to say, sometimes the music is worthwhile. However, not many winners became stars.

Kelly Clarkson's finest hour came with the Aguilera-penned "Miss Independent." Ruben Studdard and Fantasia have yet to establish themselves. Across the Atlantic, the show's judging panel seems better equipped to pick out stars. Darius, Gareth Gates and Lemar have all managed to release hits songs. The winner, however, maintains his reign as Britain's best new pop act.

After winning, Will Young managed to release two adequate albums, even when they are high on cover versions and low on new material. His renditions are usually revamped versions of the older ones. He never delivers a track without a twist. His cover of the Doors' "Light My Fire" was made slow and chill, while his rehashing of Luther Vandross's "Love The One You're With" is, dare I say, better than the original.

Then there are the tracks that astound, like the simple, yet powerful "Leave Right Now." The standout track is definitely the gospel-tinted "Your Game," which recently won the Brit Award for best British single.

Then there are the tired template tracks, like "Stronger" and "Dance The Night Away." But the album is not totally made dull by these; it is carried by the singles and the closing 10 minute title track, which ends the album smoothly.

Friday's Child is better than From Now On and a definite growth from where Young started. Wavering between routine ballads and more than amusing soul tracks, it latches on as an effort by one gay boy with Aretha in his heart. Not bad from a dirty-shirted contestant who got in by singing a quirky version of "Blame It On The Boogie."

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