Here Comes The Sun
Louise Dearman
Big Hand Recordings
When I heard Louise Dearman was returning to the studio to record her second studio album I knew the finished product would be good. However I did not realise it would one of the most moving, beautiful albums I have ever listened to. Although the songs are covers Louise really makes each one sound like an original. You can tell how she understands every single lyric in every single song as she sings with a great deal of emotion. After seeing Louise play Glinda in Wicked I thought I knew her voice well but the songs on the album allow Louise to show different areas of her voice which I think is one of the most beautiful voices that has ever been heard on a West End stage.
There is a variety of songs on the album which create different atmospheres and takes you on a journey. The first song 'Here Comes The Sun' is so gentle. The first 30 seconds almost hypnotise you, putting you into a trance which makes you stop what you are doing, sit down and open your imagination. The orchestrations are also perfect and joins forces with Louise's voice to create something magical.
The second track on the album 'Squander' quickly takes you onto the next step of the journey. The song slowly builds up and shows the unique power of Louise's voice. While so many singers have strong voices and can belt out a song, Louise's tone stands out and connects with something on the inside of your body making you go 'wow' (as I did, while sitting on the tube listening to the song on my iPod - I got a few strange looks).
I think 'Time After Time' is one of the most famous tracks on the album. Louise sings this song with Steve Balsamo and their voices compliment each other perfectly. Before hearing this version I didn't realise how beautiful the lyrics of the song are as this version is so stripped back and raw. The way the last phrase of the song is almost whispered gives me chills every time I listen to it. Both singers put so much emotion into the way they sing. This was the first song on the album which left me felling emotionally moved. The next track, 'Gravity', is one of my favourites from the album, it really gives Louise the chance to show off her vocal ability which is extraordinary! I cannot get over how effortlessly she sings the song and makes it sound like it was written for her.
'See The Day' continues the journey of the album, changing the emotion from vulnerable to powerful. It is a great contrasting song on the album and, yet again, shows a different side to Louise! As the song progresses we get to hear some incredible rifts and power from Louise's voice before the song is suddenly stripped back before its massive climax. Then the atmosphere completely changes as 'Little Bird' begins. I never expected Louise to sing a song like this. It has such a catchy beat and leaves you with that upbeat inspired feeling - as if you could do anything.
While 'This House' is a ballad it is completely different to any other song on the album. It makes you imagine a dark place. Then 'Uninvited' comes along. This song shows us how delicate Louise's voice is. It shows us a glimmer of hope. 'One Day I'll Fly Away' starts the end of the journey and makes you look into the future, showing you that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
The final song on the album 'Kissing You' is stunning. It shows off the talent of Louise Dearman who has such a delicate yet powerful, unique voice. The song ends, finishing the journey of Louise's second album 'Here Comes The Sun'. It leaves you feeling inspired and touched, as if someone had been in the room singing to you directly. This is honestly the best album from a musical theatre artist I have ever heard. You can get a signed physical copy of 'Here Comes The Sun' direct from Louise's webshop at
www.louisedearman.com. Alternatly you can buy the Album from Amazon, Dress Circle, HMV and iTunes.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
