Jools Holland - The Golden Age of Song (13/04/2013)
Compilation albums are always a mixed bag.
With the variety of artists on offer it is easy for most to find at least one artist on the album that they enjoy. The best compilation albums will weave artists together seamlessly, making lesser known performers hard to pick out. Sadly, Jools Holland’s The Golden Age of Song just misses this mark.
Showcasing some amazing rhythm and blues artists along with his Orchestra, this album is definitely pleasant to listen to. Unsurprisingly, the late Amy Whinehouse and Paul Weller deliver an amazing performance of Don’t Go To Strangers while Cee Lo Green’s rendition of Reet Petite will get you off your seat.
The album also features Jessie J, Tom Jones and Lily Rose Cooper (nee Lily Allen) amongst others. Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra show they can shine on their own with closing track When You’re Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You).
Although there are some stand out songs they tend to overshadow the other tracks. The first main reason this happens is due to the fact that some of the singers have stronger voices. The other reason is due to the track order; many of the livelier songs are immediately followed by much more melancholy songs. This strange combination leaves you feeling disjointed and slightly disinterested.
There is not much to fault in the songs themselves. Each artist gives a passionate performance which is beautifully orchestrated. However, the fact that this a compilation album needs to be taken into consideration. You can’t just throw a bunch of great songs and great artists together and expect a great album. This is exactly what this album feels like. It makes for a great album to put on in the background but not something to sit down and actively listen to.
Natalia Baranowski
With the variety of artists on offer it is easy for most to find at least one artist on the album that they enjoy. The best compilation albums will weave artists together seamlessly, making lesser known performers hard to pick out. Sadly, Jools Holland’s The Golden Age of Song just misses this mark.
Showcasing some amazing rhythm and blues artists along with his Orchestra, this album is definitely pleasant to listen to. Unsurprisingly, the late Amy Whinehouse and Paul Weller deliver an amazing performance of Don’t Go To Strangers while Cee Lo Green’s rendition of Reet Petite will get you off your seat.
The album also features Jessie J, Tom Jones and Lily Rose Cooper (nee Lily Allen) amongst others. Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra show they can shine on their own with closing track When You’re Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You).
Although there are some stand out songs they tend to overshadow the other tracks. The first main reason this happens is due to the fact that some of the singers have stronger voices. The other reason is due to the track order; many of the livelier songs are immediately followed by much more melancholy songs. This strange combination leaves you feeling disjointed and slightly disinterested.
There is not much to fault in the songs themselves. Each artist gives a passionate performance which is beautifully orchestrated. However, the fact that this a compilation album needs to be taken into consideration. You can’t just throw a bunch of great songs and great artists together and expect a great album. This is exactly what this album feels like. It makes for a great album to put on in the background but not something to sit down and actively listen to.
Natalia Baranowski