Guy Sebastian’s latest release, The Memphis Album, has been the former Australian Idol winner’s most successful album to date. Listening to this nostalgia-filled tribute to the past, it’s not hard to see why.
Guy’s reverence for these original Stax recordings is obvious. Not only did Guy make a pilgrimage to Memphis to create the record. He also enlisted the likes of Steve Cropper and Donald “Duck” Dunn to ensure these cover versions had all the life of the originals. And they do. There’s a real energy to this recording that makes it easy to forget these songs are around forty years old.
While Motown produced sweet soul music, Stax’s songs were always a little edgier. Guy’s voice is a natural fit for these sexy tracks. “Hold On I’m Coming,” “Let’s Stay Together,” and “In The Midnight Hour” are real standouts.
I believe the secret to this album’s success is its broad appeal. Mums and Dads can happily listen to these beloved songs which never stray too far from the originals. And with Guy Sebastian in fine voice, his teenage fans will lap it up too. It’s just good music, and good fun.
I have one copy of Guy Sebastian’s The Memphis Album to give away to a lucky Oz Music Scene reader. To be in with a chance to win it, simply leave me a comment and tell me why you love Guy Sebastian. Please remember to include your e-mail address when you comment so I can contact you if you win. The competition will close at 5 pm (AEST) next Tuesday 26 February, and I’ll announce the winner the following day. Good luck!