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CD: Susan Boyle - Someone to Watch Over Me

Talent show phenomenon hints at the kind of music Simon Cowell wants to spoil next

by Russ CoffeyWednesday, November 2, 2011

The biggest surprise with Someone to Watch Over Me might be that SuBo has actually made it to three albums. Last year’s release brought relief that the Simon Cowell machine hadn’t broken her. But with this new one Boyle actually seems to be forging a career of sorts. So, now that she no longer has the novelty value of being a current "reality TV" phenomenon, and three LPs in, how does her music stand up?

Considering Boyle’s act was the stuff of a prime-time talent show, it's hardly a revelation that this record offers a few saccharine moments with a general feeling that, because of its release, Christmas must be close by. It isn't, however, quite as predictable as the ones before. There is something slightly interesting in the choice of songs included. The Syco press release (Simon Cowell’s record label) says that in addition to the “breathtaking renditions” of “Unchained Melody” and “Both Sides Now”, Susan “fearlessly takes on” “Enjoy the Silence” (Depeche Mode) and “Mad World” (Tears for Fears).

Leaving aside that the word “competently” would have been more accurate, I am surprised they omit to mention Boyle’s take on the Jeff Buckley cover of “Lilac Wine”. Not only is it the best thing on here, but it is also better than X- Factor winner Alexandra Burke’s hideous take on Buckley’s reading of Leonard Cohen's “Hallelujah”. Or her own on The Gift, for that matter.

Other than suggesting what's on Boyle's iPod, it seems likely that the track listing on this album also indicates what sort of “modern classic” Simon Cowell's intending to spoil for us soon. Still there's nothing on this record that is actually that awful, and some moments are endearing. The touch is lighter than before, and moreover, it’s not masquerading as anything it isn’t. Bland and kitsch, it surely is, but that's still fine for a track or two at an ironic Christmas party or a stocking filler.

Watch Susan Boyle sing "I Dreamed a Dream" on Britain's Got Talent

Comments

I don't find her voice extraordinary so I don't understand the goosebumps I get when I listen to this short snippet. Of course, I'll be getting this :)

Totally agree, I don't understand to goosebumps either. In fact I think she is sooooo overated.

Your opinion is reassuring. If a snobby arty farty metropolitan music critic does not like it, it is bound to sell in shed loads. As usual, your disdain for what 'Joe Public' likes is astounding. Ms Boyle - you have a wonderful voice - ignore cretins like these - you go girl!

This may well be the most successful, of all of Susan's recordings so far. It is sure to become a massive seller, & with good reason, she CAN actually sing! Can't wait for the Musical next year, & her appearance in it, it also will be a big hit......................

Considering the snide remarks that Ms Boyle usually elicits from 'professional' reviewers this must rate as a rave. As a simple music lover I respond to her honesty of voice and am confident this will be another hit album for her. I do, however, wish the SYCO machine would let her sing a few more 'big' songs that would suit her so well. Look forward eagerly to her next album!

I feel like this review is more about you disliking Simon Cowell than anything to do with Susan Boyle. Susan has a lovely voice and what I've heard of this album has been wonderful. I will definitely be buying this, my third SB album, as I'm sure will be many around the world. You can say all the negative things you like while Susan and Simon are pocketing the money and laughing at you.

I bought my CD yesterday and I LOVE it. The track list is very unique and not something I would have expected from Susan Boyle, and her vocals are gorgeous! I'll be buying several to give as Christmas gifts. I can't stand Simon Cowell but rather than hold the fact that she was discovered on one of his shows against her, I'll have to actually say thank you to him. This CD will give me a lot of pleasure for years to come.

Susan knocks another one out of the ballpark! Beautiful voice, beautiful selection of songs as she makes each one her own. Susan continues to grow and push herself as an artist. What a joy to listen to this latest album of Susan's!!

My, aren't you artistically superior!! Damning with faint praise is not attractive, Mr Coffey. "Not that bad" indeed. Your job was not to review Simon Cowell but the merits of this album the which, by the way, was a fairly poor job. I'm not sure why you are "surprised" that she is "forging a career of sorts". She sold over 3 million albums in the first week of her debut album, 14 million albums in 14 months, is in the Guinnes Book of World Records three times, was voted the 3rd most influential woman in the world in 2010, has performed around the globe and has garnered praise from Barbra Streisand to Billboard and will take part in a musical based on her life in 2012. This woman was not an "overnight reality show success" She paid her dues in clubs around Scotland for years. Don't care for her music if you like, everyone has his/her own musical tastes, but at least have the honesty to say you judge Susan Boyle, not by her talent, but by the fact that she in on Simon Cowell's label.

Oh dear you really are as sad and pathetic as you appear in your photo. How can you be a paid critic and still be so out of touch, with how the public feel about Ms Boyle? She has paid her dues working small venues etc. Now, stop trying to be clever and give her a break or just put a cork in it.

Why do people consider "Lilac Wine " a cover of a Jeff Buckley" ??? It has been recorded by many people including Nina Simone, and Elkie Brooks. The only version to have chart success is by Elkie Brooks in 1978. So for me" Lilac Wine " is a cover of the Elkie Brooks hit.

Lilac Wine is an Elkie Brooks hit !!!! The U.K.s best singer.

Before any Subo fan tries to slit my throat, let me first explain that I AM a Susan Boyle fan myself. I don't think this album will enhance Ms. Boyle career one bit. I consider this album to be a total rip-off. Why ? At little over 30 odd minutes playing time....that's a bit much to ask her of her fans to part with their hard earned money. At least 4 additional songs would have been better value for money. The title track "Someone To Watch Over Me" is only a fraction over ONE minute long ??? I don't blame Ms. Boyle for these shortcomings, but her management team. I suspect Mr. Cowell insisted the album was released to cash in on Christmas sales regardless of its actual content.

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This record offers a few saccharine moments with a general feeling that, because of its release, Christmas must be close by

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