When Austrian performer CONCHITA WURST graced the stage at the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, held in Copenhagen, Denmark…nobody knew what the hell to think. Was a bearded lady meant to be some sort of joke; a gimmick? Whatever it was…it worked, as Conchita (real name Thomas Neuwirth) went and won it with the track “Rise Like A Phoenix” almost unanimously. It created a stir among several right-wing states across Europe, as the portrayal of a drag artist being successful could be interpreted as pro-LGBT and was criticized to great extent…Conchita however cared not one bit and today, we see her release her debut album; “Conchita”. 12 point’s to Austria or the dreaded nil pois? Let’s find out….
The album starts off with recent single “You Are Unstoppable”; a classic inspired, pop power ballad with a bold, positive message to take control of your own destiny, to not be afraid of following your heart and it’s encouraging. It’s good to see her still on the fight for equality and acceptance of individuality which is her primary message. “Up For Air” is musically a more modern sounding track, the stripped back electronic/R’n’B elements to some extent, compliment Wursts voice well proving for another pleasant listen, aided by some impressive vocal notes to boot. The album picks up somewhat with highlights such as “Colours Of Your Love”, a brilliantly soulful track for the most part, combining the influences of LADY GAGA and CHER effortlessly, also that sitar solo…yes…sitar…and “Firestorm”, an almost 90’s sounding retro dance track which makes for an interesting listen. The album naturally also includes her winning Eurovision entry, thrown in for good measure but a year on the appeal has worn a little thin.
Whatever your views on Eurovision, it’s clear it’s provided Conchita with the perfect platform in which to kick start her career and in the twelve months that have passed since she won the hearts of the continent, she’s gone and gotten a pretty decent debut album recorded and produced. It’s not for everyone; the modern diva / classic pop sound is an acquired taste but there are some decent tracks here. Give it a listen…it’s not the Wurst thing you’ll hear this year….[6]
The album starts off with recent single “You Are Unstoppable”; a classic inspired, pop power ballad with a bold, positive message to take control of your own destiny, to not be afraid of following your heart and it’s encouraging. It’s good to see her still on the fight for equality and acceptance of individuality which is her primary message. “Up For Air” is musically a more modern sounding track, the stripped back electronic/R’n’B elements to some extent, compliment Wursts voice well proving for another pleasant listen, aided by some impressive vocal notes to boot. The album picks up somewhat with highlights such as “Colours Of Your Love”, a brilliantly soulful track for the most part, combining the influences of LADY GAGA and CHER effortlessly, also that sitar solo…yes…sitar…and “Firestorm”, an almost 90’s sounding retro dance track which makes for an interesting listen. The album naturally also includes her winning Eurovision entry, thrown in for good measure but a year on the appeal has worn a little thin.
Whatever your views on Eurovision, it’s clear it’s provided Conchita with the perfect platform in which to kick start her career and in the twelve months that have passed since she won the hearts of the continent, she’s gone and gotten a pretty decent debut album recorded and produced. It’s not for everyone; the modern diva / classic pop sound is an acquired taste but there are some decent tracks here. Give it a listen…it’s not the Wurst thing you’ll hear this year….[6]
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