A Love Story

I would not even cite any particular songs as that would ruin the total effect - listen to the album in the sequence they were meant to follow...Although I will relent and say that for sheer joy, the duet with Antonio can't be beat!

Michael's voice is as radiant as ever - the throbbing notes are so evocative, the top notes so filled with emotion ( which would be kind of difficult to sing, wouldn't it?) and the gamut of emotions fill each word and note. Bravo, Miguel ! ...

He has chosen well to give his fans a piece of music that's different - a sophisticated but fresh approach, an intoxicating ride of musical styles, so very mature-sounding ( and I mean this in terms of musical taste). Even the musical arrangements are different - I have fallen in love with each throb of the guitar or the tinkling of the piano or that trumpet note!

Tracing the highs and lows of falling in and out of love and basking in all the emotions this brings.

The thing that struck me about this newest Michael Ball offering is the strong lean towards lyrical content. It is a very grown up album and all the songs are extremily strong from the headiness of "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" to the music box "Time In A Bottle" and the soul shaking "God Give Me Strength" which will knock your socks off!

I must admit though that I picked up on a wistful air in the happier songs almost as though Mr Ball was singing from the end of the album going backwards - looking back at the good times - but then that might be just my interpretation...

"A Love Story" is a wonderful mix of styles using tracks from the cream of songwriting talent including the genius that is Jimmy Webb. It is an album full of tenderness, honesty, humour and almost disturbing emotion.

No one could not like this album - fan or non-fan - it is a classic!

This Guy's In Love With You - Again this is a really candlelight and wine song. Really quite seductive - the thing I love most about Michael's voice is the way it flows through phrases when he sings - you will hear a lot of singers who don't sound as musical as Michael does. It always amazes me that Michael never studied music - he's so naturally musical and this is one of those songs that really shows that.

What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life - What can I say? Loved this when I heard it first at the Symphony Hall and now it just sounds even better. Technically quite hard - long phrasing etc - but Michael makes it sound SOOOOOO easy! I was doing this one at my singing lesson today before I heard it on the album, and as always Michael has done things with this song I'd never have thought of in a million years! If this isn't on the video I'll be very disappointed.

Time In A Bottle - Gorgeous song that again really flows - can't help swaying to this one, and the only reason I'm not singing along is that I want to just hear Michael. Another one where his voice is so caressing and lovely. It's really simple, and that's what makes it so lovely - it's almost like a lullaby.

She Makes My Day - Love it! Michael sounds so happy. You can't help smiling when you hear this. Well, I can't anyway.

You've Changed - Oh this one just breaks my heart! If there's a person who can hear this song and not want to hug Michael I'm amazed. It's so emotional. Beautiful range and a real showcase for Michael's voice and acting talents. And I'd be very surprised if there's anyone alive who doesn't identify with this song.

What Makes You Stay - Well, we've all been there, haven't we? And Michael sums it up beautifully. Again the emotion is all there, and vocally he's superb. A slight rasp in his voice on some notes gives this song the perfect touch - the smooth silky voice is more for the earlier songs on this album - and you can really feel the confusion and loneliness the character must be feeling.

God Give Me Strength - Michael exceeded all my expectations with this one. Technically it sounds supremely difficult, but Michael just soars through it. I get teary every time I hear this one - the line "I want him to hurt" just sounds so desperately sad, as though he's really being torn apart inside, and then the sense of emotional exhaustion afterwards - god he must have put everything into this song and then some! He has to do this on the video - he just has to!!!

Didn't We - Oh how beautiful! A return to the soft and gentle tones, then that soaring belt at the end. Wow! There's a sense of sad resignation - I think this is the song where the character finally realises/decides that no matter how hard he tries, the relationship will end one way or another. Michael travels from gentle, tender tones to a strong belt and really shows what he can do.

I Wish You Love - Do I get a distinct 'French' feel with the accordion or whatever it is? So gentle and tender - even loving - if I heard Michael sing this to me I'd be staying right there, I can tell you!

I Wish I Were In Love Again - I didn't know this one before so was surprised that it was so upbeat. It's actually a fairly light-hearted look at relationships, and Michael really puts it across - his voice is slightly ironic, almost laughing at himself. Love Michael singing this - fabulous for his voice and some really difficult intervals to give him a bit of a challenge. It's also a song he can have some fun with and I think seeing him do this live would be amazing!

Me and My Shadow - Can't stop laughing! No, it's not that bad - it's so wonderfully perfect! Just the thing for getting over a break-up of any kind. And don't we all love our close friends? It's a fab anthem for any friendship, and Michael and Antonio sound like they're having so much fun! They really let themselves go with this one and it shows. Love the talking at the beginning. As someone else said, I think it'd be great if Antonio showed up on the tour to do this one with Michael. I was walking over here humming it to myself and grinning all over my face. This so suits Michael's personality - I can really see him strolling into a club - he does love to party, after all. And the Spanish - wow! Acento muy bueno, Miguel!

A must for Jazz fans, Michael fans, or just people who love good music.