Album Review

Jo Birchall – Something To Say

• 3rd Aug 2011

Something To Say, the debut album from Liverpool’s Jo Birchall, has been five years in the making. A series of obstacles that would have derailed many for good have been overcome and this fine collection of pop songs is a testament to her determination as well as her undoubted talents.

The album opens with Wonderful, which will also be the lead single. This is basically a good pop song, an upbeat celebration of falling in love. From the intro, with just a piano backing Birchall, it is clear that she possesses a fine voice. And when the full band kicks in, her vocals soars with ease, clear and true. This one should fly up the singles charts.

All About Love continues in a similar vein, revelling in the joy of love, while Let’s Love looks for a more positive relationship. They are both summer sounding songs, and could easily be singles too.

In between, Woman slows things down and introduces a different vibe. This time the love is stagnating and Birchall demands attention in an assertive and passionate manner. The strength of her voice portrays the character perfectly: she is not pleading but affirming her position positively. It’s a powerful song and demonstrates that Jo Birchall can do much more than sing joyful love songs.

As well as original songs, a couple of excellent covers are included on the album. The first is Rod Stewart’s I Don t Want To Talk About It. Birchall produces a fine take by making her own mark on the song. She doesn’t try to imitate the original; rather she interprets in with her own style.

Something To Say and Don t Wanna Fall In Love are decent songs, although perhaps don’t have the depth of those at the beginning of the album. They are well delivered and pleasant to listen to, though. Her Name is a story of a woman wronged, again sung passionately and portraying sadness as well as anger.

Unanswered raises the stakes once more. Soft vocals over a gentle piano tell of insomnia and longing. This is a very personal song, written to Birchall’s father, who unfortunately didn’t live to see the album’s release. It’s simply beautiful, and a haunting string section contrasts with the keenly felt vocals.

Don t Let It Go To Your Heart brings the tempo up once more, before the album closes with another cover. This time it’s Olivia Newton-John’s I Honestly Love You, which is delivered with an emotional depth that captivates.

Jo Birchall displays all of her talents on this fine debut album. Her heartfelt vocals and confident delivery enable her to sing both upbeat pop songs and more sombre tracks with equal success. She has a powerful delivery, but never becomes strident, singing in a manner that is warm and engaging. And her song writing is of a high quality too.

What more could you ask for from a first album?