In one of the most dramatic weeks for new music releases, Scottish singer Susan Boyle becomes the world’s biggest overnight sensation, breaking records and conquering the hearts of fans the world over with her debut album I Dreamed a Dream.
Reality TV shows such as American Idol and X Factor have sprinkled the charts with ready-made superstars such as Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson and Adam Lambert. But while these stars have had the looks and the youth to make it on both sides of the Atlantic, none have achieved the sort of overnight global attention as Britain’s Got Talent’s unlikely star Susan Boyle.
From Britain’s Got Talent to You Tube
Aged 47 and looking more like a good-hearted auntie from the countryside, Boyle suffered ridicule as a child, and even as an adult. In her now infamous You Tube appearance, Simon Cowell cracks a smile when Boyle first walked onstage back in April of this year. But when the music begins and she opens her mouth to sing “I Dreamed a Dream”, a song from Les Miserables, jaws drop in awe of this powerful singer.
That You Tube video of her performance became one of the highest viewed within minutes of broadcast, and though she eventually lost the talent contest, no other performer can claim the type of year Susan Boyle has had.
Going from absolute obscurity to global sensation literally overnight, the day her album became available for pre-orders on Amazon.com it shattered global records as the top grossing album ever. It even topped the pre-order sales in the typically tough US market, in a week when Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert and Shakira released highly anticipated albums.
Wild Horses
Sounding like a cross between Celine Dion and Sarah Brightman, the untrained Boyle interprets and reinvents songs from artists as diverse as the Rolling Stones, Madonna and the Monkees on I Dreamed a Dream, revealing diversity and an innate talent for artistic interpretation.
The album opens with her moving performance of “Wild Horses” followed by the song that started it all, “I Dreamed a Dream”. Her studio version, for all its greatness, lacks the same impact as her live performance, but still stands out as a memorable piece and a song fans have been longing to own since that fateful night.
Unfortunately her version of Madonna’s “You’ll See” falls flat, even though Boyle used to sing this song at talent shows before recording it for this album. Loyal to the original, it all but strips the signature Spanish guitar from the backing track, and the subtle percussion barely creeps in halfway through the song. Usually filled with confidence, on this song her voice sounds strained and devoid of the emotion and depth of her other choices.
Amazing Grace
A devout Christian, Boyle includes several faith-inspired classics on the album which remain faithful to their church roots by using organs and choirs to propel the tracks along. Though excellent recordings in their own right, their sombreness dampers the overall breezy mood of the album.
“Amazing Grace” sounds like a funeral song, not a track on a pop album. And stuffing a pop album with religious music probably isn’t the best way to keep a fan base alive. Like Amy Grant or Sandi Patty, Boyle could have recorded a few more tracks and put out a pure pop record followed by an album full of religious music, in order to please herself and her fans.
Regardless, Susan Boyle has had an amazing year and this record deservedly caps it off. Though not a perfect album, its crossover appeal makes it one of the most pleasing albums this year. Not surprisingly it’s also one of the year’s biggest sellers.
Susan Boyle dreamed a dream and now it has come true. If anything this record stands as proof that even in this beauty and youth dominated field, true talent shines through eventually.
Susan Boyle – I Dreamed a Dream is available now.
James W. Coates - A nomad at heart, James W. Coates has been combining his passion for music, writing and traveling ever since his father packed the family ...
