Music
Rhydian: 'O Fortuna'
Released on Monday, Nov 30 2009
Published Monday, Nov 30 2009, 10:13 GMT | By David Balls | 4 comments

The track selections may be pretty predictable, but Rhydian's distinctive vocals are often enough to give them a stamp of individuality. The album opens with a big, booming rendition of Carmen Fortuna's 'O Fortuna' - now more recognisable as The X Factor theme - that in itself justifies his successful stint on the show. He delivers equally powerful versions of Vangelis's 'Conquest Of Paradise' and 'Benedictus', where he duets with opera legend Dame Kiri Te Kanawa - the equivalent of Leon Jackson getting to trade warbles with Stevie Wonder.
There are also nods to his Welsh heritage in the form of Bryn Terfel duet 'Myfanwy' and a rousing rendition of national anthem 'Land Of My Father', but the cover version format is difficult to sustain throughout. 'How Great Thou Art' lacks the gusto of some of Rhydian's other interpretations, while his take on John Denver's 'Annie's Song' - much like Alexandra Burke's 'Hallelujah' - loses the charm of the original.
Rhydian's classically-trained vocals undoubtedly lend themselves to tackling the big classics better than other X Factor stars who've made Syco a quick buck. Second album in, he shows plenty of poise and conviction in his delivery, but only a hardcore of fans will make it through the entire album without hoping for a little more personality. With only one original song here ('I Won't Let You Walk This Road Alone'), Rhydian still seems to be under the shackles of Cowell's control, making it hard, for the moment, to take him seriously as an artist in his own right.

> Click here to watch our recent interview with Rhydian
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Paul Ireland, on November 30th, 2009
Rhydian is without doubt a great singer, he does however deserve better than this. He needs to get out of the clutches of the X Factor............
Rhydian is without doubt a great singer, he does however deserve better than this. He needs to get out of the clutches of the X Factor............
Maggie, UK, on November 30th, 2009
I have just bought O Fortuna and having listened to it in its entirety think that the whole album is absolutely fabulous. Rhydian has excelled - he just gets better and better - his duet with Kiri singing Benedictus is beautiful as are all the other tracks - I just love the songs sung in Latin, absolutely AWESOME. Well done Rhydian!!!
I have just bought O Fortuna and having listened to it in its entirety think that the whole album is absolutely fabulous. Rhydian has excelled - he just gets better and better - his duet with Kiri singing Benedictus is beautiful as are all the other tracks - I just love the songs sung in Latin, absolutely AWESOME. Well done Rhydian!!!
Emma52, on November 30th, 2009
I, myself, love this album. Granted some songs are a bit below par (not because of Rhyd's singing voice...but because of the actual song choices) but just listen to O Fortuna and Conquest of Paradise, and wow...you truly hear a star in the making. <3 Rhydian, and can't wait to see what he is going to do next :)
I, myself, love this album. Granted some songs are a bit below par (not because of Rhyd's singing voice...but because of the actual song choices) but just listen to O Fortuna and Conquest of Paradise, and wow...you truly hear a star in the making. <3 Rhydian, and can't wait to see what he is going to do next :)







I was introduced to Rhydian when following up on Susan Boyle (I'm a big fan of hers), and I read comments about Rhydian and Leon. My curiosity got the better of me, and when I heard Rhydian, I absolutely fell in love with him. He is amazing, amazing, amazing, voice, personality and oozes confidence like is unbelievable. I love his voice. I also got a charge watching his "First Audition" - you've come a long way, baby!! (I'm 68).