Remember When… is Andy Abraham’s fourth album since he rocketed to fame as runner-up on the X-Factor in 2005. Winning the hearts of the public with his extraordinary vocal talent and his charming personality, Andy became known as the ‘voice of the people’. Since X-Factor, Andy has become a major Platinum-selling recording artist who has completed three UK tours, culminating in a sell-out performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London...

Glossing over the sham that was the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest (I mean, come on, what was that all about? It even played a major part in ensuring that Terry Wogan stepped down from commenting for the UK, which has meant that it's almost unwatchable now), Abraham has a timeless, classic voice that drops him straight into the ranks of some the world's greatest soul singers.

The strangest and, I have to say, most impressive inclusion on this album is 'Born Free' which was originally written by John Barry and Don Black in 1966 and sung by Matt Monro. Abraham puts his own unique spin on the song. And I have to say he's totally brought it up to date for a modern audience.

'Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)' is another well produced and powerfully sung song. It doesn't matter what your musical tastes, this is bound to have you tapping your foot along to Abraham's interpretation of this classic Marvin Gaye track.

Likewise 'Let's Stay Together' is presented with all the enthusiasm and mastery you'd expect from Abraham. Only a brave man would jump right in and deliver his own version of this iconic song. And, as expected, he pulls it off remarkably.

In all honesty the album doesn't hit a duff note - it's packed with good honest soulful tracks that you'll already know and love, with that special Abraham spin that adds that little something extra.

The accompanying 96-page book also adds a little depth to Abraham's choice of songs which he claims have helped to shape his life. Personally, I seriously doubt that he chose the tracks. It's much more likely that they were chosen for him - rights issues these days can be a bit of a red tape nightmare. But however they were picked is irrelevant, this is a good collection of classic songs. The book gives a little background on each song, why it's important to Abraham and general background information on his life.

Track listing:

01 - 'For the Good Times'
02 - 'Born Free'
03 - 'Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)'
04 - 'Let s Stay Together'
05 - 'Lean On Me'
06 - 'I Found Lovin'
07 - 'As'
08 - 'You Were Meant For Me'
09 - 'Ain t No Stoppin Us Now'
10 - 'Me and Mrs Jones'
11 - 'It Was You'
12 - 'When You Love Someone'

9

Nick Smithson