Amazon.co.uk Review
There’s been a lot of talk of 'new directions' and 'experimentation' around this ninth studio from Irish boy band Westlife. Certainly there seems to have been a big push in the production department, with input from a range of prestigious songwriters and studio-smiths such as Ben Moody and David Hodges (who wrote the lead single What About Now), Ryan Tedder and AJ McLean (aka The Backstreet Boys), Steve Robson (James Morrison, Take That) and Steve Booker (Duffy). True enough, songs like the Tedder/McLean-penned ballad “Shadows” carry a slightly ‘sparkier’ edge than usual; and tracks like “The Difference” and even “What About Now” have an extra frisson. But long-time fans needn't fret: most of the album--including tracks like “Talk Me Down,” “As Love is My Witness” and closer “I’ll See You Again” - are quintessential Westlife in their play-it-safe approach to melody, harmony and lyricism. 'Experimentation', it transpires, is a vastly relative term.--
Danny McKenna
CD Description
Spending much of 2009 hidden away in studios across Europe and the US, Westlife were quietly creating their most exciting album to date.
Where We Are features pop’s finest producers and songwriters, including Grammy nominated Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis "Bleeding Love" and Beyonce "Halo"), Steve Robson (James Morrison, Take That) as well as Louis Biancaniello and Sam Watters (Whitney Houston, Anastacia) and Steve Booker (Duffy), all of whom helped to create the band’s new and contemporary sound. While the tracks are instantly recognisable as Westlife classics, complete with soaring melodies and rousing lyrics, an undeniably fresh production is injected; bound to delight Westlife fans and pop enthusiasts alike.