Michael Ball — We Are More Than One

If there is one thing you cannot call Mr Michael Ball it is lazy. Stepping in to host the late Sir Terry Wogan’s BBC Radio 2, Ball has entertained millions of listeners every Sunday morning as well as appearing in musicals such as Hairspray not to mention his steady output with Alfie Boe and the touring that comes with it.

Just like the rest of the country, Ball’s live appearances were put on hold or cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. However, Ball made a brand new solo album entitled ‘We Are More Than One’ which will be released imminently.

Created during the lockdown and recorded almost entirely from his London home, Michael Ball not only co-wrote ten of its fourteen tracks but also watched videos online to teach himself how to use Apple’s Logic Pro online recording studio. Then twice a week he would get together online with singer-songwriter Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue) to write and record. He also enlisted songwriter Liz Rose (Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood) for the record.

The opener ‘Be The One’ has a constant drumbeat dancing around a harmonious backing vocal that sounds like the perfect song to listen to whilst you wake up, pull back the curtains and start the day. The pleasant acoustic guitar on ‘God Willing’ works well on Ball’s smooth voice as he opts for a song of hope with a country tinge.

The title track ‘We Are More Than One’ is about how people are stronger together than on their own and has a strong production that is melodic alongside the emotionally charged lyrics. The groovy bass on ‘Simple Complicated Man’ allows the upbeat tune to flow as the lead vocal flourishes. A definite highlight and a strong contender for a single release.

The electronic keyboard intro on ‘Heartbreaker’ made me wonder if we were going to get a Prog offering but it was Michael’s take on the classic Dionne Warwick hit. He doesn’t try and invent the wheel here and although his lead vocal is easy on the ear I can’t help but think maybe another Warwick tune might have worked better.

The themes of love and loss are prevalent on this record with both ‘Never Let You Go’ and ‘Is That All Folks’ being clear examples. The Burt Bacharach vibe on ‘She’s My Girl’ sounds like a homage to those classic romantic songs. Then I am greeted with ‘Promise Me’ originally by the beguiling Beverly Craven and I wonder “I’m really surprised that this wasn’t a duet with the lady herself”.

The Eighties-influenced ‘Home With You’ is a tongue in cheek lockdown theme as Ball explains to his other half “Roll back the rug, turn off the lights”. If you enjoy the music of ABC or Leee John of Imagination then this will be up your street.

Closer ‘The Song We Will Remember’ documents the importance of certain songs and how they can be associated with certain memories and key moments in our lives. In conclusion, I get the feeling that Michael Ball did not just want to make this album during lockdown but that he needed to make this album. ‘We Are More Than One’ is an album full of warmth and understanding at a time when we need it.

Michael Ball’s new album ‘We Are More Than One’ is released on Friday 7^th May 2021 on Decca Records. For more information visit: https://www.michaelball.co.uk/