This is the fifth studio album from late 1980s/90s Aussie lad Jason Donovan. I grew up with a lot of his stuff in the ’80s, which was pretty much my first foray into ‘Pop’, at a time when I was knee-deep in Rock and Metal. So I was looking forward to this album as the 80s was the year I became a music collector. I always appreciate his interpretation of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s song “Any Dream Will Do” from … Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Boringly titled ‘Soundtracks Of the 80’s’, this album was a complete disappointment.
I don’t mean to start the review of this album in a negative light, but honestly with high expectations, which are already simmering on the road to pick up the album; it was a disappointment. Although the selection of songs was amazing and many of them among my favorites, ironically, it was probably just that that put me off. In the words of Simon Cowell (and no disrespect to you and your talent, Mr. Donovan), “it was very karaoke.”
There were no changes to the arrangement or feel of any of the tracks. It was just that now Jason Donovan was singing them. Although he handled some of them well, but in many others not only did he not compare with the original, but he was a rather reduced version.
The track list included great 80’s tracks. It took me to the bottom of memory lane. I think as much as I loved the choice of songs, they weren’t just great songs, they were anthems. That means you just can’t do another one of them. They are meant to remain original and by the original.
On ‘Soundtracks Of The 80’s’, Jason tries classics like Mr. Misters ‘Broken Wings’, Tears For Fears, ‘Everybody Wants to Rule The World’, Richard Marx’ ‘Right Here Waiting’ or the epic song by Mike & The Mechanics ‘Living Years.’ Then there’s The Cars classic ‘Drive,’ as well as Howard Jones’ ‘What Is Love.’ These songs not only pretty much defined the ’80s, they pretty much even defined the artists. I was very impressed with their selection of the minor songs. Well-known song ‘Mary’s Prayer’ by Danny Wilson. I love that song. The album also includes covers by Cutting Crew, Terence Trent D’Arby, Yazoo, Climie Fisher and Mike Oldfield.
He also put out 2 new tracks ‘Talk You Down’ and ‘Goodnight Baby’ which were good.
All in all, it just didn’t work. Her previous album was also a cover album called ‘Let It Be’ with covers of classics from the 50’s and 60’s. Same problem there. Also karaoke! While he’s walking the same path as artists like Rod Stewart and Phil Collins (recently), I think he’s talented enough to pull off some new things. I hope the next one isn’t a 90’s cover album?
However, he’s not giving up on him just yet.
My star rating: I have to break it here…..
***** (Five) stars for song selection with variety
*** (Three) stars for delivery (managed to get quite a few of them).
* (One) for originality
** (Two) Total
