Wednesday 24 December 2014

Album Review: Rush Of Life by Julie Atherton



Rush Of Life
Julie Atherton
Theatre Bench Records
★★★★

In the land of musical theatre West End star Julie Atherton is known as the Queen of new writing. As well as showcasing her remarkable vocals, Atherton's latest studio album Rush Of Life features material by some of the industry's most exciting new writing talents.

Although almost every track is written by a different composer, Joe Louis Robinson's musical arrangements ensure there is track to track consistency which gives Rush Of Life a strong identity. Atherton duets with John Dagleish (star of Sunny Afternoon) on the first track 'Trail Of Behaviour'. Written by George Maguire, the song is immediately catchy with the pair’s voices blending together beautifully.

'I Can't Make You Love Me' brings familiarity; it suits Atherton’s emotive voice perfectly. I've seen Atherton perform on stage many times and as an audience member you can't help but be drawn to, and feel compassion for, whoever she is playing. Somehow Atherton has managed to do exactly the same thing in a recording studio. She sings each song with such passion, feeling every lyric.

My favourite song on the album is the title track 'Rush Of Life' by Craig Adams. As well as featuring a fantastic melody, lyrically the song is absolutely incredible and so easy to relate to. Whenever Atherton and Adams work together (she has starred in two of his musicals, Lift and Thérèse Raquin) they always seem to strike gold. 

Rush Of Life is such a refreshing album. It may be by one of our finest West End stars, but it certainly isn't a stereotypical musical theatre album - it couldn't be more different! 

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Rush Of Life by Julie Atherton is out now. Visit www.julieatherton.com to purchase your copy.

Photo Credit: Darren Bell

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