Amazon.co.uk Review: Rhydian Roberts was the runner-up, and indeed most memorable contestant, from X Factor 2007. He was pipped to the post by the more fresh-faced Leon Jackson in the series finale, but thanks to some unique stylings and bold song interpretations the determined, classically-trained singer from Wales with a chiselled visage and striking white hair left a deep and potentially lasting impression. For his eponymous debut album though, a year in the making, it's a hard not to be disappointed that his bookish yet bombastic versions of tracks like Pink's "Get the Party Started" and the Pet Shop Boys' "Go West"--staples of his success, surely--have been left behind in favour of aligning his operatic tones with more traditionally suitable song vehicles. There are still some reminders of his scene-stealing slots on Saturday night TV--a sterling, sombre re-telling of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and pristine showcase for his voice, "Somewhere" from West Side Story. Add to this old musical standard "The Impossible Dream" (a popular choice, also recorded by fellow X-factor x-pat, crooner Andy Abraham) and straight covers of 'popera' veterans Meatloaf and Queen (with "Not a Dry Eye in the House" and "Who Wants to Live Forever" respectively) and though his voice is given a fine workout and chance to evidence those years of training, his personality doesn't quite break through with it as expected. Let's hope Rhydian can be rationalised as the contractual obligation and that this is just the start of his story. --James Berry
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Beautiful
This is a polished and professional first album from a young man with a beautiful voice and a long career before him. True talent is rare in the world of music and this young man has it in spades. the songs are classics reinterpreted in an individual and compelling album
Rating: - breathtaking
I eagerly awaited the album from a friend for Christmas. I have not stopped playing it! Rhydian sings with passion, fire and strong emotion. I am moved to tears each time I listen to it. Rhydian, you are a true star and your powerful christian beliefs shine through. Thank you for this album.
Rating: - fantastic
Every track on this album proves that this lad should have won X Factor. You will not be disappointed.
Rating: - Brilliant!!!
Not my usual type of music but as long as someone can sing well l'll give them a listen,this man can sing! His version of 'To where you are' had me in tears its brilliant, this one has been added to my iPod and all l can say is dont knock this man for the start hes had,(X Factor runner up)give him a listen he wont dissapoint!
Rating: - Disappointed
Firstly, let me say, I have been a fan of Rhydian since I first heard that pure voice 18 months or so ago. (Was it really only 18 months?). I said then that I would spend good money to see him live. I had the opportunity to see him at the X Factor tour and will be seeing him again in May. I hope that he is not snapped up by Broadway and he continues to satisfy mainstream audiences throughout the world.
Having said all that, I was a tad disappointed with the album. While some of the tracks were brilliant I felt that on others he (or his producers) failed to take full advantage of the absolute power his voice is capable of. There are several occasions when I expected that spine-tingling, goose-flesh making purity, clarity and ... Read More: