Lee Mead the Artist and the Album
Winner of BBC 1 Reality Show Any Dream Will Do
Lee Mead has shot to fame since winning the BBC 1 reality show, Any Dream Will Do. Along with his West End role he has also released a superb debut album.
Lee Mead is something of a rarity in the world of reality T.V. He came in to the BBC1 show Any Dream Will Do with a solid background in theatre and performance and now, with a leading role under his belt has a very bright future.
Lee Mead: The Artist
Lee has been involved in performing arts for many years. He has undertaken a variety of theatre roles from productions of Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Tommy, and even a touring version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other diverse singing/performing roles included a ballet called Pineapple Roll and a part in Aladdin.
Ever since seeing Joseph being played out in his hometown of Southend, the now 26-year-old singer coveted the lead role in this musical. So many millions saw a childhood dream come true live on BBC 1. Since winning the show Lee's charm and charisma have proved popular with theatre-goers, which has lead to his contract being extended twice. It has also lead to the biggest gig of his career so far, appearing on-stage at Wembley Stadium, with other former Josephs, during the Princess Diana Memorial Concert.
Lee Mead: The Album
Unlike some by-products of a reality T.V show, Lee Mead's album wasn't a rush released mix of standard cover versions. Released in 2007, it proved to be carefully chosen covers, comfortably sitting alongside some new tracks. An electic mix of songwriters provided tracks for this album, ranging from Take That frontman Gary Barlow, to the Rolling Stones.
Lee himself has adapted well to the more relaxed, live feel of this album. His smooth and controlled vocal has enough depth, to send every listener spiralling in to the depths of emotion of each song. It could be said that this is an album for all seasons. Tracks like "Why Can't We Make Things Work" provide a great summer vibe, while the soulful, acoustic beauty of "Stronger" is perfect for a cozy winter evening.
Album Highlights
The album kicks off in grand up-tempo style with "Gonna Make You a Star", Lee's debut single. Originally recorded by David Essex, this is an infectious song, that has you silently cheer every time Lee hits the high notes. It's one of the best examples of credible, popstar, Lee, whilst other tracks on the album show off the edgier, more versatile side to his voice.
Listeners don't have to wait long to topple over the edge, as track two is the haunting Rolling Stones classic "Paint It Black". This track became something of a cult hit on the T.V show and is a big statement song on the album. The frantic drum rhythm and haunting string arrangement, make it a truely special cover version.
There is a veritable feast of potential singles on this album, including Gary Barlow's track, "When I Need You the Most". The soaring vocals, dreamy string arrangement and sweet sentiment in the lyrics leave a warm, contented feeling inside.
Another beautifully crafted, yet very different track is "All That You Know". Although it has more of a Snow Patrol-esque inide feel, Lee adapts well and delivers a strong vocal performance yet again.
All told, it's hard to find fault with an album that delivers on both the commerical and credible fronts, has songs that will appeal to all ages, along with the charm and charisma of the artist. With Lee reportably songwriting, and hoping to release a second album the future could prove very interesting indeed.
