Just in time for Mother’s Day, Melbourne songstress Michelle Serret-Cursio has released her debut album Should I Be. Her name might not be familiar to you but her face probably is. Michelle’s been a lead vocalist on Dancing with the Stars for years, and she also performed as part of Team Joel on the first season of The Voice. She’s also provided backing vocals for some of the country’s brightest talents including Tina Arena, John Farnham, and Olivia Newton-John.
Michelle’s skills as a vocalist are undeniable. She effortlessly puts her stamp on mum-friendly favourites like “I Will Always Love You,” “Crying,” “Tennessee Waltz,” and “My Heart Will Go On.” Singing in other languages in the Celine Dion smash, her take on “Crying,” and “La Vie En Rose” also doesn’t seem to phase her.
But it’s when Michelle steps away from the covers that I feel she really excels. The ballsy title track shows much more personality than the predictable numbers mums are sure to love. I’m not as enamoured with the dancy “Here I Stand,” which feels just a little too electronic to gel with the rest of the album, but I’ve got to admire that she’s doing something different.
I’m not sure whether Should I Be will cut through enough to see Michelle move away from life as a back-up singer or TV performer, but it should put smiles on the faces of any mums lucky to receive it this Mother’s Day. And that might be good enough.
Image used with permission from McGill Publicity