Love Changes Everything: The Essential Michael Ball

by

Michael Ball

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There are a number of Michael Ball compilations available, but this one is the most wide-ranging. There are a number of Lloyd-Webber tunes represented here as well as a representation from "Les Miserables". It shows his mastery of the musical theatre genre as well as his deft touch when approaching other popular songs where he avoids the tendency to parody the original but strives to make each his own by allowing his distinctive natural tenor to shine. I think sometimes his intensity reflects a belief that the popular song and its survival is in his hands. He even manages covers of "Walking in Memphis" and "The heart must go on" without sounding trite. Even Michael, the songwriter, is represented here which allows the possibility of a new arena he can conquer. All in all, this is real value for money with 39 tracks that cover a range of the pop canon that certainly stands up to repeated listenings. Just to think, I remember Michael as a chubby six year old who used to come and play at my parents house.....That dimple is still in evidence some almost 40 years later. Hopefully this compilation will be released in the USA because the import price is a little steep. Thanks Mom for the birthday present!!