Track Listing

1. THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM
2. TO WHERE YOU ARE
3. WHAT IF (DUET WITH IDINA MENZEL)
4. THE PRAYER
5. BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER
6. THERE WILL BE A TIME
7. SOMEWHERE
8. NOT A DRY EYE IN THE HOUSE
9. I BELIEVE
10. I'M COMING HOME AGAIN
11. WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #526 in Music
• Released on: 2008-11-24
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review
Rhydian Roberts was the runner-up, and indeed most memorable contestant, from X Factor 2007. He was pipped to the post by the more fresh-faced Leon Jackson in the series finale, but thanks to some unique stylings and bold song interpretations the determined, classically-trained singer from Wales with a chiselled visage and striking white hair left a deep and potentially lasting impression. For his eponymous debut album though, a year in the making, it's a hard not to be disappointed that his bookish yet bombastic versions of tracks like Pink's "Get the Party Started" and the Pet Shop Boys' "Go West"--staples of his success, surely--have been left behind in favour of aligning his operatic tones with more traditionally suitable song vehicles. There are still some reminders of his scene-stealing slots on Saturday night TV--a sterling, sombre re-telling of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and pristine showcase for his voice, "Somewhere" from West Side Story. Add to this old musical standard "The Impossible Dream" (a popular choice, also recorded by fellow X-factor x-pat, crooner Andy Abraham) and straight covers of 'popera' veterans Meatloaf and Queen (with "Not a Dry Eye in the House" and "Who Wants to Live Forever" respectively) and though his voice is given a fine workout and chance to evidence those years of training, his personality doesn't quite break through with it as expected. Let's hope Rhydian can be rationalised as the contractual obligation and that this is just the start of his story. --James Berry

CD Description
Despite only finishing as runner-up in the 2007 X Factor competition, demand for more from Welsh-born, classically-trained singer Rhydian Roberts has been high. After a gap of almost a year (seemingly the standard time for ex-contestants to ready their debut), the simply-titled 'Rhydian' makes goodon the singer's promise shown during the competition. His characteristically flamboyant interpretations of hits from musicals and beyond take up a fair amount of this release, even performing a duet with Broadway legend Idina Menzel on 'What If'.

Customer Reviews

Special.
I have to say in complete honesty, i didn't care much for Rhydian (his singing he seems a lovely guy) on X-Factor, probably because i dont take many of its products seriously, but i took a chance on his album.
It is superb, i haven't heard a voice like his before. The albums song choices are brilliant, and even though id be more partial to other music genres there is no denying Rhydians singing ability. As a Meatloaf fan, obviously 'Not A Dry In The House' was a major factor in buying this, and he sings it absolutely wonderfully, the power and control in his voice is astounding. All the songs will give immense pleasure to anyone who listens, a must for any music fan, and surely the beginning a wonderful career for this fine man.

The Best
I was not that crazy about Rhydian during the X Factor but listening to this album has totally changed my opinion of him - he is a fantastic singer and this album is absolutely fantastic - well done Rhydian!!

Just Superb
I've been listening to the album over and over again and each time I'm overwhelmed by the power and passion in Rhydian's voice. It's hard to choose favourites, but What If and The Prayer stand out especially.
I look forward to following his future career and enjoying more albums to come. As the ad says "Music has a new voice" A force to be reckoned with, and a voice that will become even richer and more mature in the future. Just wonderful.