Michael Ball is a smooth and sultry character, renowned for his prowess in musical theatre. In If Everyone Was Listening – his nineteenth studio album – he brings his own personality to the music. It’s toe-tapping in places, particularly the country songs like Stuck Like Glue and the swinging tunes like Bad Things.
Although not a musical theatre album, this genre is not forgotten, with his own version of Falling Slowly from Once beautifully finishing the album. Ball also puts his own spin on modern classics including Miley Cyrus’ The Climb – a strong new interpretation of the song, complete with a powerful and uplifting final chorus – and I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz. His interpretation of Angel is heartfelt and (dare I say it) better than Katherine Jenkins’ version!
This album is definitely what I would describe as easy listening but Michael Ball sings with such passion that you know he means every word that he sings. The title track If Everyone Was Listening and Let It Be Me are both sung with particularly sincere emotion, not to mention delicate harmonies, making you really feel the meaning behind the lyrics.
It’s not for everyone, but If Everyone Was Listening is a fresh new album from Michael Ball that will definitely be on a fair few Christmas lists this year!
Reviewed by Michaela Clement-Hayes