Gary Barlow – Since I Saw You Last

Requiem opens this solo offering from Take That’s front-man; clever, Beatle-esque and co-written with Robbie Williams it’s strangely about the end. One of the most striking things about Mr Barlow’s album, apart from its superior lyrics, vocals and Steve Powers’ recognisable production, are its many unexpected gifts.

Hit lead single Let Me Go is an interesting mix of vocal patterns and jangling percussion about losing love yet somehow uplifting, a real foot stomper from the X Factor judge.

Jump plays next – from the intro this is classic Barlow with its lush melody and brilliant life-affirming messages, it could easily be on the next Take That album. It’s quite a departure as the unmistakeable vocals of Sir Elton John suddenly hit the ear on their rhythmically catchy, well-handled duet Face to Face (second cut, released January 20^th 2014). A little further into the album the exceptional 6^th Avenue could well be from the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road legend’s catalogue, an outstanding song that definitely has the Elton vibe in melody, delivery and lyric.

Gary’s first full length solo record in 14 years is a well balanced mix of 15 tracks, undeniably enjoyable and effortlessly combining observations such as the folksy Small Town Girls and the dark, edgy commentary of Actress, with his most introspective exposure the hauntingly tender Dying Inside, placed gently between two of his many crowd-pleasing numbers This House and More than Life. Ballads, in particular We Like to Love, are naturally intimate and moving with the instantly likeable gem Mr Everything a definite album highlight.  

Fresh from heralding in the New Year on BBC1 this truly talented award-winning singer/songwriter certainly manages with Since I Saw You Last to engage his listener in a compelling and rewarding musical journey. 

Laura Jorden

Since I Saw You Last is released on 22^nd November 2013. For further information or to order the album visit Gary Barlow’s website here.