The Performance [CD]

At the beginning of 2009, if somebody had told me that one of my favourite albums of the year was going to be by Shirley Bassey, I think I would have laughed at them, but it's true. Now, ever since I first heard it, I've been busy telling incredulous people how great it is. I don't blame them for not believing me, because in this case, hearing is believing. The combination of the undeniably fabulous songs, passionately and beautifully delivered by Shirley and a magnificent orchestra, all produced by David Arnold, is just musical heaven. What's even more impressive is the roll-call of the songwriters who have contributed to this album's success, plus the fact that Shirley hasn't gone down the road of simply covering the classics - she has a whole host of excellent musicians queuing up to write her new classics!

Such is the quality of this album, I could list every single track as a highlight, but for the sake of brevity, I will briefly describe the real talking points. "Almost There", which is my personal favourite Tom Baxter song, opens "The Performance" - and what a performance it is! When the heartbreaking song swells and explodes, it gives the listener chills down your neck and spine... absolutely magnificent. Track two is "Apartment", a Latin-tinted, toe-tapping Rufus Wainwright song, penned specifically for this album, sounding every bit like a modern Shirley Bassey classic. The first time I listened to the album, I did so without reading the liner notes, wanting to guess who had written the different songs. For the beautiful, loungey "This Time", I was guessing Burt Bacharach, mainly because of the time signature, use of strings and the muted horns - but it was none other than Gary Barlow. To be perfectly honest, I'm impressed.

"I Love You Now", composed by Nick Hodgson of The Kaiser Chiefs, is a classy, minor key beauty, which could easily have been written for Shirley in her heyday. "No Good About Goodbye", brilliantly written by David Arnold and Don Black, is just superb and could easily have been a 70's Bond theme - and what a vocal performance by Shirley. My personal pick on the album is the tremendous "The Girl From Tiger Bay", written by the Manic Street Preachers and David Arnold. As a huge fan of James Dean Bradfield and the Manics, it's almost frustrating to hear such a brilliant song given away - but what a worthy cause! Wonderful, tailor-made lyrics for Ms. Bassey as well. The last highlight of the album, for me, is the slightly camp, but genuinely touching and emotional Pet Shop Boys-written finale, "The Performance Of My Life". Other songs on the album are written by John Barry & Don Black, David Arnold and David McAlmont, KT Tunstall and Richard Hawley - and they're all excellent.

I doubt that it could be said that I'm Dame Shirley's typical audience, but the names behind the songs drew me into this album and it has turned out to be one of the greatest albums I've heard all year. Whatever your "normal" taste in music, this is a sensational album, absolutely packed with wonderful songs and some of the finest performances by a vocalist you will have ever heard. I can't recommend "The Performance" highly enough. Every home should have a copy!

What a fabulous performance with some great new songs. My favourites are The Girl from Tiger Bay, The Performance, and best of all After the Rain. Its great to have a new albumn and this would make an excellent Christmas present for anyone who has enjoyed Shirley Bassey over the years. The Dame is certainly back, and this is certainly The Performance - simply FABULOUS.

Dame Shirley Bassey is looking amazing and her voice is as good as ever. I have just been to see the BBC Electric Prom at the Roundhouse in Camden, London. Her performance at age 72 for an hour and a half was beautiful, emotional and quite extraordinary. I wanted to cry I was so happy to be standing in the intimate atmosphere with people around me whooping, squealing and exclaiming. The atmosphere was 'electric' and full of love and admiration of our Dame. The new songs, written by current artists, sounded stunning and were delivered with emotion and subtlety in a softer tone and the expected DSB style . Quite captivating and entrancing. I was blown away, as always. DSB is an incredible lady that I want to hear much more of. Thankfully age has not diminished her voice or performance skills. She is truly astounding and I defy anyone to not be impressed by her performance. There is definately much more to be had from the delicious Dame. She never fails to impress.