Russell Watson - That's Life

International pressing of the 2007 album from the UK tenor comprising a personal collection of classic tracks from the golden age of song, celebrating life and love with emotional performances of 'Strangers In The Night', 'When I Fall In Love', 'Born Free' and many more. Universal. 2007. Album Description

if you like these songs, you'll love the CD. if you like RW, it depends

I enjoy Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. I thoroughly enjoy Russell Watson's "Encore" and "Amore Musica."

Do I like this CD? Well, the songs I already liked, RW did a good job with. Songs I didn't know or like before are just so-so. November 9, 2008

Different style for Russell

I like this CD and the new genre for Russell. His voice lends itself to the style of music but I think he needs to have a little more fun with it and be relaxed (he sings Sinatra but doesn;t have the loose style yet). There are a few clunkers, notably "Born Free." How did THAT get into this mix??

So...3.5 stars. If he doesn't a Nelson Riddle songbook he would probably be practiced enough to make it great. September 30, 2008

Russell Watson is versatile

Russell's versatility talent is shown on this album. The voice is just the voice. This one is not like his albums before which have many classic songs (kind of tenor)that for some is unlistenable,:)(you know..)

I am not particularly fan of certain kind music. I do like pop,rock,classical,jazz or should i just say good music.

So, now we have Frank Sinatra songs covered by Russell here. Though I am not fans of Frank Sinatra before, I can say I really enjoy this cd and that make me want to collect some Sinatra's album.

Last, I would say as a fan of Russell's voice, for non classical audience this is the voice for you to enjoy. May 20, 2008

Pleasant. Buy it for your Valentine !

The problem with this album is that everyone had done swing music, and it really does't highlight the sheer strength in his voice.
Russell Watson is the British answer to Andrea Bocelli.
In his nine years on the UK classical scene, he has released five albums and received critical acclaim for bringing operatic-style tunes to the average Briton.
He has five million worldwide album sales tucked under his belt, including the fastest selling classical album since Carreras · Domingo · Pavarotti: The Three Tenors in Concert / Mehta.
His debut album, Russell Watson · The Voice, spent a whole year on top of the UK classical chart and every album he has released since has received either gold, platinum or double platinum-selling status.
But tragedy nearly struck last year when it was discovered that the tenor had a brain tumour.
After a period of successful medical treatment, the 40-year-old is currently on the road to recovery and "That's Life" is a celebration of his return to form.
Writing in his album leaf, he says: "It's very hard to put into words how I feel about this recording... It has been a very difficult period in my life, from which I am gradually recovering."
In his first departure from pure classical music, Russell Watson releases a collection of tried and tested love songs, including some of the hits made famous by greats such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.
The 11-track album features some of the world's best known songs - from "That's Life", to "Let There Be Love" and "Smile".
It also features a bonus track with soul legend Alexander O'Neal.
"That's Life" is a pleasant album and unfortunately that's all that can be said about it.
The song choices are pretty obvious and do exactly what they say on the tin.
He has since changed musical tact - from opera to lounge music. A shame really as he is one of the best mainstream classical artists, having paved the way for far more inferior acts, such as Il Divo Il Divo.
So the voice finds himself curtailed on some real snore-fest tracks like "Strangers In the Night".
A Russell Watson fan knows what they're getting when they pick up the album - a lovely voice crooning out some of the world's best known love songs.
It's enough to melt the hearts of the mums, aunts and grandmas who will probably be receiving the CD on Mother's Day or on Valentine's Day.
Highlights include the title track "That's Life", which kicks off the album - a triumphant song, which features Watson uttering the rousing words "I just pick myself up and get back in the race".
While Russell may be one of the UK's great operatic voices, the types of songs he chooses on the album unfortunately reduce him to somewhat of a copycat swing singer, belting out the tunes with the same inflections and faux-American accents implemented by the plethora of artists who have done this so many times before.
This is especially evident on songs such as "Born Free", in which you might think he's nothing more than a Frank Sinatra tribute act.
There are, however, some good tracks on the album, including "You Don't Know Me", "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "A Very Good Year", whose long vowels suit the operatic style with which Russell is most comfortable. January 29, 2008

Sinatra Relived

Watson is stunning in this album of Sinatra-style remakes. There was a lot of risk in recording songs that have already sold millions of albums, but he took them to a new level of style, precision and feeling. Fantastic album. January 7, 2008

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