Dream On [CD]

For BBC's Any Dream Will Do followers this album is a brilliant opportunity to hear many of the finalists singing together again. Even people who have never heard of any of singers will love this album I'm sure. The songs have been well chosen, with Craig's version of This Is The Moment a welcome addition for any of his fans, as is Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do.

Craig easily carries the songs that he sings alone, his voice truly is beautiful to listen to. During the duets their voices blend really well, and they sound fantastic as a group.

This easy listening album will appeal to all ages, with covers from the last few decades as well as a sparkling new track written just for them. I hadn't heard some of the songs before but after a few listens I loved them. I listen to the cd over and over again without getting bored, there's just something magical about their voices.

A brilliant first album, and hopefully the first of many.

I have supported Craig Chalmers ever since he first appeared on the Any Dream Will Do programme as I felt he had the looks and talent to become a musical theatre star and even though he didn't win the competition, I knew that Bill Kenwright's faith in championing Craig would be justified and he would go onto greater things.

Craig has had one of his dreams come true since taking on the role of Joseph in Bill Kenwright's touring production since August 2007 and has been wowing audiences in theatres all over the UK and Ireland and now he has been given the opportunity of moving his career in a slightly different direction by being part of this marvellous cd.

All of the other Joseph's who also didn't go onto win have had their dreams fulfilled too and are all doing well on other projects and four of them join Craig here on this wonderful album full of brilliant songs. From the opening melodic sounds of Any Dream Will Do and Close any door to the anthemic Dream On which lyrically tells the story in song version of these talented young men's journeys. This album will delight fans of the Any Dream Will Do Programme but will also appeal to anyone who enjoys classic pop songs sung with clarity, fantastic vocals and most of all with an awful lot of heart. Do buy this album, you will not be disappointed.

I list below my own personal opinion of each of the songs on the CD.

1. Any Dream Will Do/Close every Door - Craig's vocals have matured even more since ADWD and I love his versions of both of these songs. What an opener to the album. Any Dream will do suits Craig's voice and he sings it so well but Close every door is in another league. What a fantastic rendition, one of the best, if not the best I have heard. Soft, emotional and the song just soars. Fantastic. The other Joseph's harmonies are great too.

2. No Matter What - I know this song is cheesy, was sung originally by Boyzone and then it was covered and arranged as a rock ballard by Meatloaf (which is a great version by the way) but I adore this arrangement sung by Craig and the boys. A superb vocal with wonderful harmonies. This song has special memories for me anyway and I just love it.

3. Sorrow - 60's style track, sung brilliantly by Craig and Seamus. A great sing-along, Can imagine dancing round the lounge to this and at the concert on the 17th too!!

4. Run to me - Wow, a Bee Gee's classic that starts gently with Craig's gorgeous dulcet tones and then made even more sublime with the beautiful harmonies of the other boys. A definite tear jerker this one.

5. Longer - A beautiful ballard that suits Craig's voice perfectly. Lovely to hear him singing in a slightly lower register than usual too. His vocal range is marvellous. It's a gentle song that makes you think of Spring and sunny days. Jondeep's soft vocals add to the sensitivity of the track and blends superbly with Craig's vocals, but it is very much Craig's song and he gives it everything it needs without it ever going over the top - Fabulous.

6. All I have to do is Dream - Love this version of a classic song and of course it's sung by two of my favourites, Craig and Lewis. Craig's slightly more gentle voice works wonderfully with Lewis's deeper tones. One to sway along to definitely.

7. I made it through the rain - The song that knocked Craig out of the semi final of ADWD so its always going to be a sad song for me, however having said that, this is a great song and all the boys have their part to play on this Barry Manilow classic. Its gentle yet strong in places and the words are very meaningful. Love Chris B and Chris C's vocals especially on this one.

8. My girl - Craig and Chris C must have had great fun recording this number because it really shows in their delivery of the song, it's vibrant, confident and as both of them have such terrific voices, incredibly bubbly and lively. Love it.

9. Can't help falling in love - This song has been covered so many times and not all versions have been good but Craig sings this track from the heart and it's as smooth as silk and as luscious as melting chocolate. A beautiful song that brings tears to the eyes.

10. There goes my first love - This has to be another one of my favourites on the album. It is such a glorious song anyway, so catchy and all the guys give it so much energy and punch. Can't wait to see it live. (Hope there's a dance routine!!!)

11. This is the moment - What can I say, its what most of us Craigettes have been waiting for. A recording of Craig singing "that song". Nothing can quite compare to watching Craig singing this on ADWD but this studio version comes very, very close and its adorable. A true musical song that starts off slowly, soft and gently and gradually builds to a glorious end. A wonderful, rendition and dare I say it, yet another tearjerker. This song shows how far Craig has come with his vocals and performance and really shows what a great musical theatre artist he has become.

12. Dream On - The title track. Again all the boys have their individual lyrics to sing and although at first I wasn't quite sure of this track, having listened to it several times now, I love it. The lyrics sum up Craig and the other Joseph's musical journeys perfectly and its a classic, lovely song, which is well sung as well as being extremely memorable, you do find yourself singing it long after the CD has finished and it is sure to do fantastically well if released as a single.

This is definitely a CD you can keep playing without ever getting tired or bored with it.

I also want to wish the boys well for their concert on the 17th February at the Palladium. Well done boys and good luck.

What can I say that hasn't been said already - this album is absoluately fantastic.

Craig Chalmers is a brilliant new talent and his singing on the Dream on album is effortless and full of emotion and passion. I especially love his version of Close every door and This is the moment. The other Joseph boys are also excellent. The harmonies they produce are first class and when they duet with Craig (Chris C on My Girl, Seamus on Sorrow and Lewis on All I have to do is dream) the sound quality is amazing.

I can't recommend this album strongly enough and to be able to see them sing the songs live at the London Palladium last Sunday - made my year. It was wonderful. The album deserves to really well and so do the boys.

"Go go go Craig and Friends - you know what they say - you have all made it today" !!