Monday, 7 November 2022

Luke Evans - A Song For You


48 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy A Song For You here (external link)

It is hard not to fall for the acting-singing-all round good egg charms of Luke Evans. His debut album, At Last, came with some beautiful Steve Anderson production whilst transforming indelible songs like Love Is A Battlefield into something wondrous and new. His latest set, A Song For You, isn't a Christmas album but does feature some Christmas songs. The whole album is a treat (and you can get a signed version over at Amazon using the link above); thoughtful arrangements with vocals that prove he doesn't just sing the songs - he lives and breathes each heartfelt lyric. He doesn't need trends or passing fads because the music is instantly timely and timeless, a soothing balm for these troubled times - and who doesn't need that, particularly at the most wonderful time of the year?
  • Over The Rainbow ~ sure, not strictly a Christmas song but one that I always associate with the season due to annual viewings of the Wizard of Oz with my family each Boxing Day. Plus there's such a sense of wistful hope and optimistic longing in the Judy Garland standard that seems so aligned to the possibilities Christmas brings. Swathed in an elegant, orchestral score, Luke sings with such graceful poise and mellifluous nuance that he doesn't need to belt out the words to make his point - every note is a story he imbues with just the right amount of passion to give it a shimmering emphasis. Joyful and triumphant.
  • Last Christmas ~ there's a haunting melancholy to Luke's take on the inescapable Wham standard. Poignant piano musings caress his vocal that feels so bruised by emotion that you get the impression he sings to release those feelings and believe in a better tomorrow. It's an enchanting theatrical soliloquy from some stage musical not quite yet written; a beautiful solo dance between voice and instrument where both draw strength from each other. Just like on Over The Rainbow, he bends each note to his well making this a masterclass in melodic story telling. A bleak mid winter with that essential glimmer of hope.
  • Silent Night ~ you are transported to the opulent soundstages of 50s MGM musicals thanks to the sweeping strings that conjure up images of snowy backdrops, brightly starry skies and love being embraced against the odds. A crystalline vocal is needed for such awe inspiring words and Luke makes it the most charming carol concert you could wish to attend. There are these little flourishes within the score that give the music its own personality, an actual choir of angels joining Mr Evans to sing his song. A fitting finale to the entire album whilst a song you will want to play as Christmas Eve fades away to usher in the big day. An entire Christmas album next please!

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