Music
Westlife: 'Home'
Released on Monday, Oct 29 2007
Published Wednesday, Oct 31 2007, 11:22 GMT | By Nick Levine | 17 comments
Westlife's desire to make a "really strong original pop album" after their recent dalliances with swing, cruise ship balladry and Diana Ross is to be applauded – last year's cover of Bette Midler's 'The Rose' was one faithful rendition of a Magic 105.4 staple too far. Sadly, the Irish lads have undercut their good intentions slightly by trailing Back Home, said "really strong original pop album", with yet another bloody cover version.
Nevertheless, the boys' take on Michael Bublé's 'Home' is as sensitively-sung, tastefully-arranged and richly-orchestrated as we've come to expect from Kian & co. The big key change, in time-honoured boyband fashion, comes about 45 seconds before the finish. Like that pair of slippers your Granny bought you last Christmas, it’s cosy, comforting and that bit more enjoyable than you'd care to admit. Pretty much like Westlife themselves, if we're honest.
Nevertheless, the boys' take on Michael Bublé's 'Home' is as sensitively-sung, tastefully-arranged and richly-orchestrated as we've come to expect from Kian & co. The big key change, in time-honoured boyband fashion, comes about 45 seconds before the finish. Like that pair of slippers your Granny bought you last Christmas, it’s cosy, comforting and that bit more enjoyable than you'd care to admit. Pretty much like Westlife themselves, if we're honest.
Your Views
17 Comments
Your Responses
RA, England, on December 9th, 2007
I'll admit that releasing a cover first was a bad move, and sometimes even I wish they'd refrain from doing that. But, all being well, their next single will be an original one, and they'll prove that they're capable of not simply producing covers. As for males who like them, I know many. Just because you've never met any doesn't mean they don't exist. But it's not necessary for men to like Westlife, anyway. They have a larger audience than people realise. I'm not a middle-aged woman. I'm in my teens, and I adore them. I just think people are very unfair towards them.
I'll admit that releasing a cover first was a bad move, and sometimes even I wish they'd refrain from doing that. But, all being well, their next single will be an original one, and they'll prove that they're capable of not simply producing covers. As for males who like them, I know many. Just because you've never met any doesn't mean they don't exist. But it's not necessary for men to like Westlife, anyway. They have a larger audience than people realise. I'm not a middle-aged woman. I'm in my teens, and I adore them. I just think people are very unfair towards them.
Unknown, Chesterfield, on December 7th, 2007
Why do they release the covers rather than their original stuff? Well, it's because it's not good enough! Besides, it's worked for Ronan Keating... It grates me that Westlife, Boyzone and Ronan himself have made significant money out of releasing other people's songs...
Why do they release the covers rather than their original stuff? Well, it's because it's not good enough! Besides, it's worked for Ronan Keating... It grates me that Westlife, Boyzone and Ronan himself have made significant money out of releasing other people's songs...
I think Michael Bublé with the orchestra on this song would be perfect. He sings much better than Westlife can ever sing. They need to stop covering songs - Westlife suck! Michael Buble forever!
I'm not here to slag off Westlife, despite how much I hate them. I know 9 of the songs on their new album are new, but what do they do straight away, release a cover. Jeez. If they started releasing original stuff again, people might give them more credit (only a little bit though). Just a question, are there any guys who actually like Westlife out there(other than Louis Walsh)? I've never a know a bloke to like them. NEVER. Only middle-aged women, and a lot of them don't seem to like 'em. If I were to post my honest opinion of Westlife, my post would involve too much swearing. I wish they would just fade away, never to return.
I really like this song and the album is good. Westlife are the best band ever so why do people slag them off? Go get a life you saddos!
These guys have never been popular over here in North America and with that ridiculous cover of Buble, they won't be anytime soon.
I don't know what you are listening to, but it's an awful cover version of a fantastic song. Time for Westlife to go "Home" and never return...
This Album is One of the best from Westlife! Peru loves Westlife I want them to come back to Latin America!
You know what, maybe Westlife do do a lot of covers, but they do them better than most! In case you've forgotten 'karaoke singers' do not get 14 numbers ones, so your 'insult' isn't a little out of place there. I think Westlife are still one of the best bands on the planet, and people just aren't giving them the credit they deserve anymore. They've been around a long time, but they survived the loss of a member. Did Take That manage that? No, they didn't. So, if you're going to compare them to other bands, think about all that they've achieved first. Oh, and for all you people who are set on 'they only do covers', buy their new album. I features 9 brand new original songs. That does leave 3 covers, but it still proves that they're not one trick ponies. Give credit where credit's due.
Ahh I HATE THEM! I wish they'd just fade back into obscurity... No more ballads!
Awful group covering yet another song! I think it's shameful they are coming back with a cover and there is no excuse when Backstreet Boys, Take That and McFly have all come back with original singles. Time these karaoke singers split up.
I absolutely adore this song. It's brilliant!
I really love it! I am so glad there are only 2 covers on this new album. Come on westlife show your critics what you can really do...
Urgh. Westlife I think are doing far too many covers! They shouldn't have covered this song. I used to like Westlife back in the early days but now I hate them. This song is for Michael Buble only. It wasn't cheesy when Buble sings it, but when Westlife does it, it's not that nice anymore.
Best Westlife Song Yet!
LOVE IT!
i think it is a really good song