Centre Stage
Kimberley Walsh
Decca Records
After a decade of being in Girls Aloud, Kimberley Walsh is releasing a musical theatre themed album following her recent stint as Princess Fiona in the West End production of Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
I am pleasantly surprised with Kimberley's album. Most of the songs have been completely reinterpreted instead of simply being covered. Kimberley's voice has quite a distinctive tone which gives Centre Stage a fresh, unique and identifiable sound.
Two of my favourite tracks on Centre Stage are Somewhere and As Long As He Needs Me. I love how these two iconic songs have been completely reinterpreted. While Kimberley seems to over sing at times, the entire album creates a classy, calm atmosphere and is the kind of album I would want to listen to in the bath.
Unfortunately there are some weaker tracks on the album. Kimberly's version of Defying Gravity is appalling. Defying Gravity is a deep song which should be sung with an incredible amount of emotion and feeling but this version has been made so 'poppy' that any trace of emotion has been sucked away resulting in the song sounding shallow and meaningless.
I was excited to listen to I Still Believe, a duet with West End star Louise Dearman who recently made history by becoming the first actress to play both Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked. Louise stands out on the track and completely over shadows Kimberly. Louise sings with a great amount of depth and meaning. She sings the song so effortlessly and sent shivers down my spine.
Centre Stage is a good album. While some theatre fans my be horrified by their favourite classics being turned upside down I enjoyed listening to these brand new versions and I am delighted these songs will now be introduced to a brand new audience. Kimberley's voice is certainly not the strongest but it is distinctive and she has successfully managed to create an exciting, unique sound.
Centre Stage is released by Decca Records on Monday 4th February 2013.
Please visit www.kimberleywalshofficial.com for more information and to buy the album.
Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
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