Single Review: Will Young – ‘Thank You’
2 min read
Despite widespread cynicism surrounding talent show acts, the first ever winner of the worldwide “Pop Idol” franchise, Will Young, has surpassed the sceptical expectations of his critics and firmly established himself as a pop music mastermind with an exceptional voice. Since winning the British music contest in 2002, Young has forged for himself a varied career. As well as starring in musical productions, presenting documentaries, writing political pieces for outlets including the Huffington Post, and penning a best-selling biography, Young has casually released six albums to date, including four number ones. His most recent offering, 85% Proof, has been described by Clash Magazine as ‘The most deliciously instinctive and relentlessly endearing pop music you’ll hear this year”. Thank You, the latest single to be lifted from the album, speaks volumes about the singer’s astonishing ability to continually create big pop ballads, which take inspiration from numerous genres, but unfailingly centre on that distinctive voice and graceful melodic writing.
With Thank You, the talent that won him an entry into the industry over a decade ago is immediately obvious. A mist of redolent strings and a chorus of female backing singers support his incredibly expressive voice, which is captivating as it is communicative. The choir eventually drops to a single female voice delivering vocal counterpoint to Young’s chorus at the track’s affecting climax. Soulful undertones of melancholy pave the way for a dramatically subdued ending, as Young delivers an exasperated final dismissal to whoever had the audacity to break his heart, and ours in the process.
As Young is set to embark upon his first tour in four years (The Love Revolution National UK Tour) Thank You reminds us that the marriage of intelligent, mature writing with an exceptional voice and evocative presence is a sincere winner and Young’s forte – a deceptively simple formula that will see the artist thrive for another 13 years of miscellaneous successes.
