When Frank Sinatra said: "I wish that one of these days somebody would learn to do [my art] so it doesn't die where it is," we don’t think he had Westlife in mind. Yes, Christmas is round the corner and there’s ringing in the air. Sadly it's not Rudolph’s bells but cash tills working overtime. Apparently, the world needs last minute stocking fillers to deliver 15 minutes of fun come the sacred December day. Unsurprisingly, Simon Cowell is obliging and has instructed his charges to gel their hair, pour a stiff drink, slip on an evening suit and assume the role of the infamous Rat Pack. Big mistake.
It’s ironic that the week this album comes out, Cowell is on national television lambasting an 'X Factor' contestant, openly lecturing her that she should leave classic songs alone that can’t be improved on. Erm, how do you explain this one then? Either the man has no shame or is it a case of "do as I say, not as I do".
And haven’t we heard this all before though, Mr Bojangles? Robbie Williams became a crooning swinger for a few weeks but at least he did it with a bit of razzamatazz while he fulfilled his rounded ‘entertainer’ fantasy. The ‘Life, on the other hand, are guilty of lazy interpretations with zero ambition or merit. Even Shane’s usually decent vocal has been bleached out beyond recognition in pursuit of banality. This has not been laboured over, lovingly compiled or even thought about. It simply sounds like it was recorded on a rainy afternoon between magazine shoots.
Purists will be appalled, but sadly it won’t stop many gullible souls inflicting these insipid covers of such classics as "That’s Life", "Moon River" and "Mack The Knife" on family and friends this yuletide. If you’re still playing this on Boxing Day you should immediately seek medical advice.
Even if you can forgive this festive cash-in, fans will rightly fear the worst. First Bryan’s departure from the fold and now this (lack of) effort. It all points to the ‘Life limping over the finishing line, flying without wings and with no parachute in sight to rescue them.
Poor. Frankly.
