Review: Richard Woodford's BECAUSE OF YOU Album

With a career spanning two decades, Richard 'Woody' Woodford releases his long awaited debut album Because Of You later this month. Over the years, Woodford has been a part of a multitude of West End and International musical productions with only a selection of them being celebrated on this recording. It is an absolute must for any modern musical theatre fan, featuring songs from Shrek to The Phantom Of The Opera, Saturday Night Fever to Songs For A New World. This is an excellent showcase from a supremely talented and versatile performer, singing a wonderful assortment of much-loved musical numbers.

From 'Who I'd Be' at the top of the playlist, Woodford's vocals are stunning. He has a very classic tenor voice fluidly adapting to the song in question. His range is proven during 'Under Pressure' from We Will Rock You which he sings with the fabulous Sabrina Aloueche and soon after in 'Gethsemane' from Jesus Chris Superstar. He also demonstrates his aptitude for storytelling through song by delivering 'The Prayer' in Italian alongside Lauren James Ray and 'Starlight Express' in German. My personal highlight on the album is 'Til I Hear You Sing' from Love Never Dies - this was listened to several times before moving on to the next track! Andrew Lloyd Webber and Glenn Slater's creation carries real intent and maps a clear journey but it takes a true performer to be able to fulfil this; Woodford does it in phenomenal fashion.

All of the new arrangements by Lee Ormsby and Michael Webborn work brilliantly well and musically it feels so much grander and richer than just a handful of musicians. On top of this, Woodford is joyful to listen to and he gives one of the finest male vocals I've heard in a long time.

Richard Woodford's album Because Of You will be available from 14th December in physical format (just in time for Christmas!) from www.simgproductions.com and will be released digitally next year.