Former X-Factor contestant, Nathaniel, released the brilliant single, "You" in 2013, so it's been a long wait for his debut album, "Yours" - but the good news, the album was worth the wait.
Nathaniel has a pretty special voice, such an incredibly strong falsetto, the kind you compare to the likes of Usher. His range is incredible and his voice is the definite the highlight of a very strong album. He's a great artist who shows so much potential, and shows he's a great songwriter as well.
The album is a beautiful amalgamation of pop, soul, dance, funk and R&B, all rolled into a slickly produced package that is very accessible and easy to listen to. There's a great 90s vibe to the album, which is so very current. If there was a criticism, it would be the length, 10 tracks feels short. I hear there is a 15 track release around, but I am yet to discover it.
Now officially half of the album has been released as singles. The first three singles, "You", "You're Beautiful" and "Live Louder" were rightfully massive hits. "You" and "You're Beautiful" are both very sexy and passionate tunes that sound incredible - I have played both these tracks on repeat for ages. As for "Live Louder:, it is the stand out on the album. It is a perfect slice of pop, an inspiring pop ditty that has those infectious horns. What a great tune it is.
Singles four and five, "Flava" and "Always Be Yours" are also strong tracks. "Flava" is reminiscent of 90s Craig David, and not just in the name. The strings are great and his voice sounds powerful over the 90s feeling track. "Always Be Yours" sees something a little different from Nathaniel, a beautiful piano ballad. Clearly his voice was designed for tracks like this.
Other highlights include opener, "Animals", which has a great chorus and a great, laidback, R&B vibe. "Addicted" is itself addictive with a great chorus and some fierce backing vocals. The lyrics are also great, "You give me just enough to keep me addicted". I also love the closer, "Don't Let a Good Thing Go", a striking tune and another great chorus.
It was great to see "Yours" debut at five on the Australian album charts this week, especially in a big week for releases (six of the Top Ten were all new albums). Let's hope lots of people hear this album, because if they do, they will no doubt become fans. This is very, very strong debut.
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