Album Review: It's Time by Louise Dearman

It's Time

Louise Dearman

Silva Screen Records
Released 2nd December 2013

Louise Dearman's third studio album takes her in a very different direction from last year's release 'Here Comes The Sun'. In Louise's own words she has 'returned to her musical theatre roots' and recorded some of the most iconic musical theatre songs ever written. 

The album is beautiful and a must-have for any musical theatre fan. 'It's Time' is an album which you can listen to in the car, play through your earphones on the tube, put on to relax whilst you're in the bath or use as background music during a family meal. It's very atmospheric and easy to listen to. I love the simplicity, each track features huge orchestral arrangements, yet no song is too overpowering. 'It's Time' certainly doesn't feature any album fillers, Louise has recorded each song with thought and care.

The album begins with 'Home' from The Wiz which is, without doubt, my favourite track. The instrumentation is incredibly enchanting and the songs sneakily builds up, showcasing Louise's exceptional range. I adore Louise's gentle and heartfelt rendition of 'What I Did For Love' from A Chorus Line which leads nicely into 'I Dreamed A Dream'. Most modern versions of the iconic Les Miserables number begin from "I dreamed a dream in time gone by..." etc, but 'It's Time' features the full version which pays a nice tribute to the world's longest running musical.

'People' from Funny Girl is another track which again showcases Louise's extraordinary belt and distinct vocal tone. Louise acts every word and I can just imagine her performing it live. 'Astonishing' from Little Woman is certainly a stand out track on the album, during which Louise gives a masterclass in how to act through song. The number is both heartbreaking, magical and empowering. Louise sings Astonishing's huge climax with all guns blazing and as if Jason Howland and Mindi Dickstein wrote it for her. 

'Send In The Clowns' from A Little Night Music makes a nice contrast. Louise gives a sincere and delicate rendition before showing off her incredible soprano range during 'The Perfect Year' from Sunset Boulevard. 'Falling Slowly' from Once is the only duet on the album. Louise sings the number alongside X Factor winner turned West End star (and West End Frame Award winner) Shayne Ward. At first the song appears a little low for Shayne, but once both performers get into the song their vocal tones blend perfectly. 

As 'It's Time' comes to an end, Louise gives a calm rendition of 'A New Life' from Jekyll and Hyde which Louise performs as if it has a personal meaning to her. The star, who is the first and only actress to have played both Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked, then pours her heart out during the title number from Tell Me On A Sunday. It is interesting to hear Louise take on 'Over The Rainbow' from The Wizard Of Oz due to her association with Wicked. The song fits her voice superbly and brings 'It's Time' to a gracious and warm close.

'It's Time' is an outstanding album and allows Louise to showcase her phenomenal vocal ability; I just wish she had been able to play around with some of the songs a little more and add her own personal stamp. Louise has such a fun personality and I adored her last album as it really told us who Louise Dearman is. However, tackling numbers that so many people have recorded and performed over and over and over again must have been quite a daunting prospect for Louise, yet she has fearlessly tackled each song with fight and charm. 

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com

Click here to read West End Frame's recent interview with Louise about 'It's Time', her 2014 UK Tour and new role in The Water Babies. 

You can purchase a signed copy of 'It's Time' from Louise's website. The album can also be bought from iTunes, Amazon and Dress Circle.

Read West End Frame's five star review of Here Comes The Sun here. 

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