Album Review: Will Young – Light it Up

Since winning pop idol in the early 2000s Will Young has outgrown his reality star roots and made a name for himself as a real pop star. With number-one hits and award-winning albums, his over two-decade-long career has gone from strength to strength. With his frank discussions about topics from his sexuality to climate change Young has made a name for himself as one of the most outspoke names in pop. With his first album in over four years Young returns to his pop roots with what he calls “joyous unabashed pop music”, inspired by the songs of the 70s and 80s Light It Up is a powerful return.

The album opens with Falling Deep a catchy disco-inspired number reminiscent of the seventies sound Young was inspired by. The synth effects and insistent rhythmic drum line make it a fun and infectiously catchy tune. The synth effects are used again in Talk About It to great effect, using the contrast between high energy production and emotive lyrics about a breakup to create a tune that is emotionally powerful and a great dance track.

Throughout the album, Young doesn’t shy away from darker themes. He discusses isolation in Midnight and worrying about his pessimism affecting his relationships in The Worst. The honesty of the lyrics lends a heart to the cheerful pop, and a depth to the album overall. There are also many more upbeat and joyful tunes Light it Up, the title track and one of the album’s singles, is a hopeful and optimistic tune about being yourself accompanied by stirring string and piano backing.

Occasionally the songs can feel a little anticlimatic, the rhythmic drum line in the verses of Everything But You always seem to be building to something that never really comes. This lack of energy is also present in the last song on the album I Won’t Let You Down, making the apologetic promise to do better feel half-hearted.

However despite a few slower tracks the ones that work work. The mellow vocals in Feels like a Win call back to his soul background, and the buildup pays off with a powerful chorus. The Worst is another powerful track and the end when Young switches from pessimism to optimism wondering if they could be “the best” feels like a great outro. Nomansland is a surprise hit  despite being near the end of the album, the catchy song stands out for its infectious lyrics and dancy chorus.

There are many moments of great “unabashed pop” as well as moments that are emotive and powerful. While there are times when the songs struggle to reach the heights they promise, these are overshadowed by the other songs in the album that more than make up for them with infectious tunes and fun lyrics. Young will be back in the spotlight in earnest with his tour later this year, and this album really shows he’s still got what it takes to be a pop star.

Eleanor Carr