Buy Everybody's Talking About Jamie here (iTunes UK)
If you have not been to see the inaugural run of sensational new musical, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, then run (don't walk) to the box office to grab tickets while you can. This beautifully crafted, coming of age story is a modern day musical marvel on the stage complete with a luminous cast and unforgettable songs. It is dazzling, heartbreaking, uplifting and euphoric from start to finish. If you are unable to get to Sheffield by the 25th February 2017, then you can do the next best thing - immerse yourself in the soundtrack to the show. Written by Dan Gillespie-Sells (The Feeling) and Tom MacRae (Doctor Who), this version is sung by Dan and a host of his pop star pals. It should easily appeal to fans of The Feeling as well as those fond of the West End - let's face it; Dan has had a gift for telling stories in his music ever since he sang "Danny boy, don't be afraid to shake that ass and misbehave" in his band's big hit, Sewn. Together with Tom, he weaves relatable lyrics into indelible melodies that linger in your brain long after the music has stopped playing. The themes of being true to yourself and seeing the unique individuality in everyone are more timely than ever - but never presented in a way that is overbearing or preachy. It is the perfect reminder of the show, should you have seen it - but works equally well for those who have not been able to wend their way to the Sheffield Crucible. Each of the songs could (and should) shimmy their way up the UK top 40. Here are just a few humble thoughts on this sterling body of work...
Just like the show, the album opens with an uptempo slice of (virtually) art called Don't Even Know It. It is the type of rousing anthem that will have you cheering along with lyrics that encourage Jamie (and the listener) to recognise their potential, embrace their path in life and let their inner goddess explode into the world. Anyone who has ever felt a bit lost or outside the realms of perceived society norms will recognise themselves in these rousing lyrics that as much an ebullient call to arms for self-esteem as they are instant sing-a-long classics. Dan sings with unfettered enthusiasm, at times the wise buddy dishing out advice then using said advice to empower himself. His gleeful vibrant tones are entirely contagious and give the song a giddy feel that will have you raising your hands to the sky in emphatic testimony. In perfect partnership with his voice is the joyous instrumental that is powered by a rollicking piano, radiant horns and a galloping percussion. And in the background, you might recognise the voice of 90s pop-rap icon, Betty Boo - it just adds to the gleeful nature of the song. If that song gives you the potential within, then Wall In My Head focuses on the more solemn introspection that happens when you are alone in the quiet moments of the night. Elegant, resonating piano chords usher in the song, providing an elegiac score for a plaintive and yearning vocal from Dan. The frustration and aching to achieve more is almost tangible, building into an impassioned manifesto that is utterly compelling. Cleverly, the music subtly crescendos with texture alongside Dan's singing, acting as the catalyst for the burning fire within yet leaving you acutely aware of how the words of others can stymie your very best of intentions. More mellifluous magic happens with the gorgeous Spotlight. Again, piano turns out to be the MVP, intensifying the emotions sung so exquisitely by Dan. There is an aching vulnerability inherent in the performance that gives way to a shuffling beat and rapid fire chant; two different songs blending perfectly for one soaring singalong.
With a title like The Legend of Coco Chanel (And The Blood Red Dress), the next song should be number one for a month. Shades of Bette Midler's In These Shoes abound with a mariachi rhythm and finger clicking grooves. It is bold, passionate, audacious and daring - seductive trumpets and deep chords sending tingles to the most satisfying places. Dan gives Fosse-Cabaret realness in his telling of the tale and everything about it just hypnotically fascinating. File next to Rhythm of Life in your musicals collection, and play often... Next up sees Josie Walker join proceedings for If I Met Myself Again. I love soliloquy moments in musicals and this is up there with the finest. There is an earnest honesty in Josie's voice that amplifies her journey of reflection on moments from her past. She is a compelling country music icon on this song, so much so that you can almost hear her surprise duet with Dolly Parton on next year's award shows. If you need to emotionally collect your thoughts after that, then the arrival of Sophie Ellis-Bextor's nu-disco romp, Work of Art gives you just the opportunity to do so. Strut down your imaginary catwalk to the intoxicating bass and beguiling synths. It instantly conjures up images of flashing lights and smoke machines, the best getting ready to go out on a Saturday night song you will hear all the live long year. Sophie is in her element in this style of music, and when Dan joins in it is just the icing on this already delicious cake. Magnificent.
Jaunty piano, radiant tambourine and quirky percussion heralds Over The Top. It is about delving into the fabulousness of life and not letting yourself being held back; striving for the right to do you how you want to. Moments of the song recall the halcyon sounds of Queen, particularly when Dan sings the titular refrain. I love how the composers are able to infuse such influences into the songs without losing the their own distinct essence. The outro of piano chords will make you want to do Adam Ant style Prince Charming arms-in-the-air style military dance moves in solidarity wherever you are when you hear this song (on the train. Oops). This leads into the triumphant title track, Everybody's Talking About Jamie. It is a rollicking, riotous romp that tickles your fancy from the first note, then grabs you by the arm and refuses to let go until you are breathless and satiated from this invigorating tour de force. Resistance is futile - just kick up your heels, finger click to your heart's content and let the music wash over you. The energy in the song alone is surely enough to power a small village (thus, singing it regularly may well be a solution to our environmental problems)! And talk about Electric Youth, At Sixteen is a timeless tale of assuming that someone so young can't possibly know what they want, or what is best for them (but also touching on how the age is one where people think they know it all). There is a cool aura to the accompanying instrumental that I could only hope to aspire to when I was that age - like knowing all the words to a Fleetwood Mac song when everyone else is buying the Technotronic album. It is a good time to note that this album evokes memories from the listener in a way that makes the songs feel like old friends - not something that is easily done...
And thus, it came to pass that the final trio of songs start to play. It Means Beautiful. Guitar takes more of a prominent role here, graceful and dignified in its delivery. Here is a song for every time you feel down or you are made to feel any less than the wonderful person you are. Dan's words will cocoon you, soothe you and give you the strength to rise again, head held high. In that respect, it feels like a public service announcement that should be prescribed on the NHS. It is a timeless ode that you will store away for the ups and downs your life journey takes you through. Josie returns for redemption on He's My Boy. Sort of a new Don't Cry Out Loud style ballad, this lovely languorous song will tug on your heartstrings - a stunning examination of unconditional love that we all deserve to receive. Hammond organ joins in the second verse which give this a hymn like quality with Josie taking you to church with her powerful, dynamic voice. You'll be raising your hands to the heavens to testify with emphatic agreement to the sermon she sings. Up off your seat, hands raw from clapping, standing ovation song. And then it closes with the haunting ballad, My Man, Your Boy. John McRae brings the story full circle on this stirring duet with Josie. It is one final, glittering jewel that ably demonstrates what an enduring, meaningful work of art this body of songs really is. Bravo to all involved - now may the show find the national audience it so richly deserves.
Top 25 songs of the week:
25 ~ DNCE, Body Moves
24 ~ Fitz and The Tantrums, Roll Up
23 ~ Little Mix, Touch
22 ~ Mans Zelmerlow, Glorious
21 ~ Robbie Williams, Love My Life
20 ~ Pet Shop Boys, Say It To Me
19 ~ Maroon 5, Cold (NE)
18 ~ Charlie Healy, Playground (NE)
17 ~ Mans Zelmerlow, Whistleblower
16 ~ Robbie Williams, Mixed Signals
15 ~ Carlos Marcos, Sugar (NE)
14 ~ Olly Murs, Years and Years
13 ~ Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Wild Together
12 ~ DNCE, Forever
11 ~ Christian Ingebrigtsen, Still
10 ~ Daniel Powter, Delicious
09 ~ Michael Buble, I Believe In You
08 ~ Deacon Blue, This Is A Love Song
07 ~ Omar Afuni, Spinning Top
06 ~ Bright Light Bright Light, Running Back To You
05 ~ Jakil, Unforgiveable
04 ~ Smith & Thell, Statue
03 ~ Tom Chaplin, Hardened Heart
02 ~ Sir Ivan ft Debbie Gibson, I Am Peaceman (NE)
01 ~ Harriet, Beauty and the Beast (3 weeks)
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