Customer Reviews
John Barrowman shows us exactly why he so talented - By: A. Lewis, 27 Nov 2008 
John Barrowman's rise to fame has been meteoric, & it is not too hard to see why. The performer's addictive & charasmatic personality shines throughin everything that he does, & his latest album is no exception.
Some would categorise it as an "easy listening" album, appealing to an older audience, but make no mistke; this is by no means a lightweight release.
The title track "What About Us?" is a relentlessly catchy song, delivered expertly with by Barrowmans clear, silky vocals. Gary Barlow's arrangement is equally stunning, framing a remarkably restrained & powerful track. A refreshing return to "proper pop" without the un-necessary "Powty X Factor Contestant - trying too hard - warbling" style vocals which seems so prevalent these days.
Could the track be a teasing glimpse at what Barrowman hasin store for the future? If so there is no doubting that he will become a succesful pop star as well as an established stage & TV performer.
The rest of the album is packed full of predictably "easy going" songs, but that's really no bad thing, for John handles them all perfectly; It is a selection which has something for everyone, with enough of John's individuality stamped on them to stand out from alternative offerings by similar artists.
Barrowman's voice has been likened as a cross between a young Cliff Richard & Michael Buble. Each song however showcases his ability to tackle different genres of music easily & skillfully. You will find no warbling, silly overly dramatic or complex singing here. Instead you will good old fashioned "feel good" music on the album, which will warm & satisfy anyone who buys it.
John at his best - By: Torri07, 26 Nov 2008 Not one song on this album makes me cringe. It's beautifully put together, all the songs are beautifully sung with fantastic musical arrangements. Favourite songs include, 'What about us?', 'You'll think of me', 'I made it through the rain' & 'Angel' which surprised me by being better than the original Sarah McLachlan version (And I am a die-hard fan of Sarah).
The duet with Daniel Boys on 'I know him so well' is so amazing with brilliant vocals from both men. All round a brilliant album which I found to be much better than 'Another Side'
Brilliant. - By: Mrs. M. L. Rogers, 24 Nov 2008 I think the new single is absolutely gorgeous. I love John Barrowman, Great actor, great singer all round great guy. And to the previous reviewer who said why hes not a pop star, pops easy, John was a westend & broadway star before most mainstream people had heard of him, much harder to do then sing a pop song im sure. Cant wait for his next album & new series of Torchwood.
John Barrowman Woof Woof Woof - By: M. Notman, 24 Nov 2008 Ok im not exactly a non-biased judge as i LOVE John Barrowman, but this is a fantastic new album from him, including the wonderful version of I know him so well with Danny Boys (as seen on TV "Live at the Faenol Festival" last week!). Its also got his excellent single "what about us", -showing he can do songs OTHER than showtunes, & a host of well known favourites. Its perfect for xmas, -everyone can sing along!
I hate Uptown Girl with a passion, so even if he sung itin the nude i wouldnt listen to it, but apart from that a triumph all round!
Fantastic fantastic fantastic - By: J. A. Walls, 24 Nov 2008 Ok, so the title line was a bit obvious but I wanted to be the first to milk it!
I have never bought a John Barrowman album before, loving him only as an actor & TV presenter but after hearing "what about us?" I was hooked & bought this album on the day of release & I am so happy I did.
It is certainly an eclectic mix, you wouldn't necessarily have Uptown Girl & Angel on the same CD but I guess you shoudn't expect anything else from Mr B.
I'll only touch on a few of the songsin the review
The first song "What About Us?" written by Gary Barlow is incredible. It is powerful , emotive & yet remaining quite masculine for a song about love life insecurities.
"Angel" by Sarah McLachlan. Now this one is going to divide people I think. Even I was a bit wary the first time hearing it, but personally I love it. Yes it is slightly different to Sarah's haunting version, but it is still full of emotion & heart.
"I know him so well" A duet with Daniel Boys (from the TV show "Any Dream Will Do"). Well, Elaine & Barbara must be ecstatic with this one! Two gay singers changing the whole dynamic of the original song is just breathtaking. There is a key change towards the end that would knock Westlife off their stools thank you very much Daniel! Their voices compliment each other very well, & what a refreshing spin on a classic.
My slight criticism of this album would be that at times his song choices are a little predictable; I'd be surprised if there is a song on here that you don't know or can't hum along too, but is that necessarily a bad thing? It certainly didn't stop me buying the album...
Allin all, I'm loving this album & I hope you do as well
