Will Young - Friday's Child

Second album from the first UK Pop Idol champion attempts to broaden his style, with Young getting more involved in the production process, co-writing more than half the songs. The album's title track is a fully orchestrated nine minute epic & it also features a cover of Stephen Stills's 'Love The One You're With' as well as the single 'Leave Right Now'. 11 tracks. Copy Controlled. BMG. 2003. Album Description

Gay Boy Sucks!

This guy makes me cringe. He tells a magazine that the only thing he hasn't gained from making money from his records is a new boyfriend, what kind of message is that to the young? His music is all written for him and as for his look, its hardly the next best thing. Hyped up crap. And as for the film he has just made with people taking their clothes off, need I say more. January 3, 2006

Gay boys rule!

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."
February 21, 2005

a surprise

i don't even know how i heard of this guy ,but i just spent all day working on my home and listening to this CD OVER AND OVER AGAIN.laid back and kind of jazzy ,this is a GREAT cd.some real standout songs ,but all the songs are listenable November 16, 2004

Can't stop listening.

I liked his first album...but this one is so much better. Not hard music like you are used to hearing on the radio here in the U.S., but makes for a great sunday afternoon. October 2, 2004

Good Effort.

I've not watched Will Young when he was in UK Idol - I'm not British. I'm not even bothered about the American Idol counterparts. But I sure am glad that I gave this guy a chance. Will has talent - and it's all in his voice.

Personally I like his first album better, it being tighter in
style and song writing. But since Friday's Child has more of
Will taking on song writing duties - it's only fair to cut him
some slack this time round.

Tracks I like:
3. Stronger (Very positive message - full of determination
in his voice)
4. Leave Right Now (This one I love - very heartfelt vocals, makes me tear when I hear it)
5. Love Is a Matter of Distance (Interesting lyrics - very tenderly sung)
9. Going My Way (Breezy song - guitar - very laidback)
11. Friday's Child

The title track Friday's Child is wonderfully breezy. I played this one sunny sunday afternoon while the wind blew in and couldn't help slow dancing/jiving to it. The song lasts a while and just takes you away - so carefree - I love it!

Altogether a good effort - soulful vocals plus mature breezy songs. Will's talent is undeniable - a cut above rest of the idol crap.
August 16, 2004

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