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Where We Are sees Louis Walsh’s charges working with a host of writers with plenty of experience in the US charts. Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, who also contributed to Leona Lewis’ Echo, delivers Shadows. It’s a blustery ballad, and a much edgier arrangement than many of Westlife’s previous hits. That it still features a trademark key change, aka The Moment They Get Off Their Stools, rather lessens its effectiveness, but you’ve got to give the fans what they want.
Which, mostly, Where We Are does. Nobody buys Westlife records for the radical progressions contained within; their albums disappear from the shelves because they’re a safe bet. In 11 years their style has barely changed, and it’s this consistency, more than anything else, that’s been the cornerstone of their success. Gently swaying numbers like Talk Me Down and As Love is My Witness, the latter penned by 1990s flash-in-the-pan Conner Reeves, are aural potpourri, pleasant at a distance but distinctly unpalatable up close. And that’s fine, it’s to be expected.
But there are surprises on this disc. US producer Scott Cutler generates a little heat with The Difference, where the percussion rises like an arena-filling Coldplay anthem. Lead single What About Now – originally released by Daughtry and written by Ben Moody, formerly of Evanescence – is similarly indie-influenced, with guitar high in the mix. It’s every bit as immediate as Take That’s comeback material, and will have fingers tapping on steering wheels in earnest during drive time plays. Steve Booker, who recorded alongside George Clinton in the 1970s, contributes Another World, which is this album’s soulful highlight.
Yet the songs never stray too far from safety. Closer I’ll See You Again is typical torch song fare, executed with the efficiency fans have come to expect, and several others stick to a formula that’s served Westlife well, but does now sound dated. The best tracks could see them stir interest in the US like never before, but they’ll need to go for broke stylistically next time if attentions are to be retained. And it can’t hurt to try – if it’s got Westlife written on it, it’ll sell splendidly across these isles whatever the product. --Mike Diver
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best album yet,
This review is from: Where We Are (Audio CD)
We have waited 2 years for this album and it is amazing. Anyone dubious about Westlife might think this is the usual collection of cover ballads, but it is not. Of the 13 songs, 11 are brand new and the 2 covers were not released in the UK so most people won't have heard them. The boys have worked with new writers and producers and the result is a very contemporary album with songs of such quality that any of them would make great singles. There are soaring vocals and lovely harmonies, and they put their usual emotion into each song. The final track is about losing a loved one, very poignant as 2 of the boys have lost their dads in the last few months, and indeed the album is dedicated to them. It is hard to listen to that song without crying, particularly for anyone who has lost someone close to them. I must admit I did doubt that this album would match the hype, that it would excel above any of their previous albums, but I was wrong. If you haven't heard Westlife in a while, give it a try. You will be surprised. This is a very grown-up album and their best ever without a doubt. It deserves many more plaudits than it will receive. Don't hesitate, just buy it. There's nothing you won't like, and much that you will love.
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Westlife ARE Amazing!!!,
This review is from: Where We Are (Audio CD)
Wow! Wow! Wow! Westlife return with an awesome new album. I totally agree with MvpMichael23 and his comments. He sounds an intelligent guy. A good review that made me want this album. If you don't listen to him and to me then you will miss out...This album is brilliant. Every song is moving, powerful and catchy, you just have to sing along to them. 'How To break A Heart' is Westlife at their best, 'Shadows' is probably one of my favourite songs, it's moving and really makes you think about the power of love. 'Leaving' is awesome. Just buy the album, everybody will love it!!! Everybody!!! Buy it...
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Return of Westlife!!!,
By MvpMichael23 (Milton Keynes) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Where We Are (Audio CD)
Westlife are back with an amazing new album. Really like Shadows and No More Heroes!!! Shane and Marks voices sound awesome on these new songs. Another good song is Reach out which Mark co-wrote. Definately a more mature sound. Eveyone should buy a copy for Christmas:) There is no doubt that Shane and Marks vocals are the best of any popband out there.
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