reviews Dua Lipa (Live From The Royal Albert Hall): Missed the gig? Here’s the next best thing..

As a longtime music enthusiast with a heart for live performances, I find myself thoroughly captivated by this array of recently released albums. From Def Leppard’s energetic one-night-only concert at The Leadmill to Whitney Houston’s iconic South African tour, these releases offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and careers of some truly legendary artists.

As we navigate the energetic resurgence of the live music scene following the pandemic, I’ve been finding myself drawn to the allure of live albums once more. Here’s a rundown of some of the most captivating releases currently gracing our airwaves. Enjoy the tunes!

DUA LIPA

Live From The Royal Albert Hall (Warner) 

With an orchestra, a band, backup singers, and Elton John in a burgundy suit – who made a surprise return for the remix of Cold Heart – Dua shone as she took center stage at the Royal Albert Hall for the first time in October. The performance has since been turned into an ITV special (still streaming on ITVX) and now a live album, available on double vinyl ($40), CD ($12), and digitally.

The concert primarily showcased the Radical Optimism LP released this year. Initially receiving a lukewarm reception in May, its dance tracks transformed when presented in a symphonic style. End of An Era, a collaboration between the artist and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, became reminiscent of a 1970s-inspired Philadelphia soul anthem. The piano ballad Anything For Love was performed with great passion and elegance.

A number of glaring omissions, including the singles Physical, Break My Heart and New Rules, meant that the show fell short of being a career-spanning spectacular. But pop’s most glamorous It Girl, despite shying away from soul-baring revelations onstage, is an unstoppable force. You wonder what she’ll do next. A Bond theme, perhaps?

FLORENCE + THE MACHINE

Symphony Of Lungs (UMC) 

As a devoted fan, I found the majestic ambiance of the Royal Albert Hall an ideal canvas for Florence Welch’s transformative reinterpretation of her debut gothic album, Lungs, into a symphonic suite. Conducted by Jules Buckley, the dramatic diva shone in her element during her BBC Prom. The performance is now accessible on iPlayer, and slated for digital release. Physical copies, including CDs (for £14) and double vinyl LPs (£40), will be available starting March.

In simpler terms, the outstanding sound quality at the Royal Albert Hall can magnify any imperfections in a singer’s voice, yet Welch managed to shine brilliantly. Performing the entire album, she also included four bonus tracks, making for a significant and fashionable performance.

DEF LEPPARD

One Night Only: Live At The Leadmill (Mercury Studios) 

Prior to a tour that included stops at Wembley Stadium and Bramall Lane, the home ground of frontman Joe Elliott’s favorite team Sheffield United, rock legends Def Leppard staged a benefit concert at Sheffield’s Leadmill nightclub. The Leadmill is one of many UK independent music venues currently grappling with an uncertain future.

This small concert attended by only 850 people is now preserved for eternity as a live album, which can be purchased in various formats: CD (at £13), double vinyl (priced at £36), DVD/CD combo (£20), and Blu-ray/CD set (£22).

Def Leppard are renowned for their heavy metal prowess, yet they also have a catchy pop underscore. They’ve even shared the stage with Taylor Swift in Nashville, and this album, lasting an hour, boasts standout tracks such as the pop-metal fusion hit “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and a rendition of glam rock band Sweet’s 1975 single “Action.

TEARS FOR FEARS

Songs For A Nervous Planet (Concord) 

Innovation is being introduced into live albums, and this particular one stands out. It’s a fusion, featuring a Tears For Fears concert from Tennessee along with four fresh studio-recorded songs. You can grab it as a double CD priced at £15, a double LP for £32, or digitally.

In the 1980s, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, the dynamic duo I follow, were often characterized as a serious synth-pop band, with hits like Mad World and Pale Shelter (two of their tracks featured here). However, they’ve evolved over time into a proficient live act. Their polished soundscape seamlessly integrates electronics with the raw power of rock guitars and keyboards.

Here you’ll find tunes like those from 2022’s album “The Tipping Point,” along with classic favorites such as “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” and “Shout.” The captivating “Woman In Chains,” hailing from the 1989 album “Seeds Of Love,” serves as a soulful highlight. Among the new tracks, “Astronaut” is an exquisite ballad, while “The Girl That I Call Home” is a heartfelt love song dedicated to Roland’s wife Emily.

WHITNEY HOUSTON

The Concert For A New South Africa (Legacy) 

In honor of the 30th anniversary since Houston’s 1994 tour of South Africa – a significant milestone as it marked the debut of a major Western artist in the post-apartheid era – this album showcases Whitney at her peak. A movie of the concert, held in Durban, was screened in UK cinemas last October, and an abridged version is now available on CD (at £14) and double vinyl (£36).

Standout moments are numerous in this collection, as Whitney’s powerful vocals soar to the upper octaves on Saving All My Love For You, culminating in an exciting finale that includes tracks from her 1992 soundtrack for The Bodyguard. This includes a lively rendition of Chaka Khan’s I’m Every Woman and a lengthy interpretation of I Will Always Love You.

Prices may vary.

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2024-12-20 02:33