Album Review: Peter Andre – Big Night
2 min read
After over 20 years in the music industry and starring in years of reality TV shows, you may have thought you knew Peter Andre – but his newest album takes on an unexpected style for the English-born Aussie. Inspired by a recent trip to New Orleans, Andre adopts a Big Band/Swing type sound for his latest album Big Night, and the result is fun, impressive and infectious.
The soulful, vintage style collection was inspired by musical icons Elvis Presley and Stevie Wonder, which is evident in the smooth, bluesy elements displayed throughout the record. The new musical direction works well for Andre as he unveils 11 original tracks written by himself and co-writer Stevie Appleton, achieving a goal Andre’s been working towards for a long time. For the first time, Peter will be supported by a full bad on his upcoming UK tour to deliver the Big Band experience in his live show.
Beginning with the title track Big Night, the tone and direction of the album is clear from the start. The soulful, jazzy opener is so far from Andre’s previous efforts that it forces a double-take to be assured we are in fact listening to the right album. The track is fun and poppy and puts the listener in a relaxed yet excitable mood for what’s to follow.
What follows is the lead single Kid, which was of course released earlier this year for the movie Mr Peabody and Sherman. This song is upbeat and smooth, showing hints of folk, country, rock and blues mixed together in a mainstream friendly pop hit.
Around the middle of the album comes Beware, a sinister, jazzy number complete with some crafty piano-playing and just the right amount of backing-vocals. The track conjures images of Andre dancing around the stage in a suit, just like the Presleys and the Wonders of the past.
Would You Mind? is one of the album’s highlights, with an early rock vibe as though it was taken from the late 50s/early 60s. The simple effectiveness and innocence of that era where rock was new is reflected in this track as he sings “Would you mind if I stay with you tonight/We can hide away til the morning light”, showing off his smooth vocals.
Drastically leaping into the Big Band/Swing/Soul/Blues direction of Big Night is a risk which has paid off nicely for Peter Andre. The record is fun and interesting as it keeps the listener entertained from start to finish. Peter has said of the album, “I am so excited for you all to hear this new sound – it’s so different and is the type of album that I have wanted to do for many years. Now is the time – enjoy Big Night” – and I do.
