Here's What I Believe

Today sees the launch of Joe McElderry's fourth album, the third with Decca Records. Joe has travelled along way musically since he won the X Factor title so convincingly in 2009.

In some ways it has almost been a cathartic experience during which time the boy from South Shields has had some serious growing up to do. He has come through a baptisnm of fire learning about the reptiles who inhabit the world of popular music and tv entertainment here in the UK. In 2011 he shocked and surprized many by agreeing to take part in series two of ITV's Popstar to Opera Star programme. During that show he made a lasting impression on one of the world's greatest tenors and show mentors Rolando Villazon and our very own Katherine Jenkins. So much so that they urged him to forsake the world of popular music and enter a conservatory in order to concentrate exclusively on the wonderful art form of operatic singing. He went on to win that show with a staggering 77% of the public vote. Straight after the show he went into the Decca recording studios and within a week he had recorded 'Classic' his first album with his new label Decca Records. This album was the perfect blend of semi- classical music showcasing his newly aquired operatic approach to his singing and well known power ballads all performed in dazzling style by this consummate artist. The highly professional recording staff at Decca produced a great album featuring the voice which the nation fell in love with in 2009 which many fans feared they would never get to hear again on record. Shortly after this and after the third most successful tour in the World last year he brought out an album of Christmas songs chosen by him. Highlight of his year was probably his appearance in front of his Sovereign at the service of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. What strikes most observers as odd is the fact that despite all this the commercial pop radio networks refuse to play his music. He is never invited to any of the junkets and bun fights organized by a largely corrupt pop industry here in the UK controlled by a handful of pop moguls who have their own secret get rich quick agendas which do not include this boy as part of them. As Sir Elton John once observed the people who currently control the music and pop industry here in the UK are a bunch of cowboys.If you are one of those people who make up the silent majority of popular music listeners who do not appeciate the endless cavalcade of second rate singers recording third rate music then go out and buy 'Here's What I Believe' from the boy from South Shields with the voice of an angel who knows how to use it to devastaing effect.It may well be the best album purchase you have made this year. If you are impressed with what you hear he is undertaking a nation wide theatre based concert tour in the new year. He does not play arenas where vocal imperfections and plain bad singing can be covered up by a cacophony of noise which seems to suit certain artists. Adele wont touch them with a barge pole. That says a great deal.

I've been awaiting this album with eager anticipation. It arrived this morning, is playing continuously and it doesn't disappoint in any way.

No need for printed lyrics to be included with this album; every word is crystal clear.

I love Joe's voice which has grown stronger now that he uses techniques learnt during his spell on Pop Star to Opera Star. Silky smooth, pitch perfect and so well suited to big ballads. Not that he can't sing up-tempo songs too, as anyone who has seen his live performances (as I have, 3 times) will testify.

Usually people prefer the original rendition of a song but I love Joe's interpretation of some of my favourite pop ballads.

There are also some very good original songs which I'm learning quickly and liking very much; I'm impressed by Joe's new venture into song-writing for which he also seems to have talent.

In short, some beautiful songs beautifully sung. Still undecided? Just buy it, relax and enjoy this very pleasing, mature album from Joe.

This is such a beautiful collection of songs, chosen for their ability to tug at your heart strings.Tissues at the ready as Joe with his wonderful voice sets out to remind us all of sad times and happy times in our lives.
His first attempts at writing songs are included in this album and Boy! they are really really good and if this is a taste of things to come from this likeable and extremely talented young man we have some exciting times ahead..
His vocal skills are shown at their finest on this album, his diction and pitch is perfect and its such a pleasure to hear every word clearly and beautifully as his love of singing shines through every number.
Have I a favourite track? No, as I love them all... from his emotional self penned numbers to the gorgeous songs hes covered in his own unique style..