Collabro - Let Her Go (Passenger cover)

Buy Collabro Stars Special Edition here (Amazon)
Read my review of Collabro's music here

As the Collabro lads move forward with their UK tour, it's these YouTube cover versions that *don't* feature on Stars that give us an insight into the upcoming album two. Indeed the fellas have been asking for suggestions for the tracklisting on their Facebook page (along with a great alternative Stars Special Edition cover shot) - I'll get to that in a minute. For now it's time to sit back and luxuriate in their reimagining of Passenger's Let Her Go - a song whose lyrics are driven by a wistful yearning, describing the regrets associated with ending a relationship. It's not a song that can be performed without a depth and resonance to the vocals and the boys excel in this type of acoustic setting. Each individual and collectively harmonised voices is filled with a pensive sadness at what they have let slip through their fingers. Their fragile and gentle backing vocals soothe the nature of the song, as if a choir of angels were there to ease the burden of the experience. When Rich sings "and you let her go" at around the 1m55s mark, he pours more passion and nuance into that few seconds of song than you would find in any Harlequin romance novel down your local book store. And that, my fine friends, is indicative of why Collabro have become the success they have. They take these special songs and infuse them with life and vitality - whether it be from the more sorrowful experiences, the uplifting or the joyful. They imprint their vision for the song onto the memories you already have so that they become the edifying soundtrack to your life. It's this, combined with their chemistry and unity in performing, that will no doubt propel them to an even more successful 2015.

(Extra notes - 1: The video above of course is absolutely lovely but special note needs to be given to Jamie's amazing hair. Surely the band's sixth member by now :D 2: That alternate photo I mentioned on the guys Facebook page? Really brings out the fun factor of the band plus I do love that Jamie is like me with trains in the morning - refusing to run but taking a dignified fast walk instead. Brilliant).

Album two suggested songs:

• POP - Say Hello Wave Goodbye (Soft Cell): A classic from the 80s that is fueled by melancholy and pathos, drama and theatrics. A perfect fit for the chaps to turn into a grandiose, orchestral swelling masterpiece.
• POP - Sing (Ed Sheeran): OK just imagine how great this could be with the chaps split into two groups to do the fast talky bits as if they are having a conversation with each other down the pub. Those textured vocals with Ed's lyrics could be something new for the band to attempt and thrilling for us to listen to!
• POP - Blank Space (Taylor Swift): Pretty ubiquitous song that would no doubt sound fresh all over again once the guys got their hands on it. Much like Sing would be an opportunity to showcase an eclectic approach to song choice on the new album as well as accentuate the fun factor in what they do so very well. Pretty sure they could come up with a highly entertaining video to go with it too...
• THEATRE - Seize The Day (Newsies): Not that well known in the UK but only a matter of time before US audiences want a piece of Collabro so why not go with this rousing anthem from the Disney Broadway smash? Varied tempo throughout the song keeps it interesting and plenty of opportunity to sign as soloists as well as a group on that soaring chorus.
• THEATRE - Seasons of Love (Rent): An oldie but a goodie - this evergreen from popular musical Rent has the fellas names written all over it. Excellent chance to further demonstrate some exquisite harmonies on a song tinged with sadness but that is ultimately uplifting and rewarding.
• CLASSIC - God Only Knows (Beach Boys): Do I really need to justify why this absolutely must happen?! To hear Michael sing the opening line of "I may not always love you/but long as there are stars above you" would possibly make me weep with joy.