Military Wives // Stronger Together

 
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Can you believe that eight months ago, the Military Wives released their debut album and at the time there were only 5 choirs involved in it’s recording? Well, now they’re back with their second offering and this time, they brought a few more choirs along (now a total of 25 choirs involved!) The album is described as tracks that are songs of courage, hope and friendship, representing the very best of the British Spirit.

Opening with Take That’s Rule The World you can already hear that there is something different to this album compared to the last. Following on is Richard marx’s Right Here Waiting before we are graced with the first of two songs especially written for this album by Gareth Malone. It is of course the title track Stronger Together and features voices from all the choirs taking part in the recording.

When Will I See You Again comes next and is a beautiful rendition without the need for too many elements. Given the time of year that this is being released, it seems alright to allow them at least one Christmasy tune and that comes in the form of In The Bleak Mid-Winter which works well for a choral group. John Denver’s song Annie’s Song comes up next followed by Get Here, another track that works well having soloists and group sections.

Barry Manilow track One Voice opens with an acapella soloist before more voices join in and it is the vocal performance that carries the most weight for the majority of the song and seems an appropriate track for the Military Wives. The Long And Winding Road arrives on the speakers before heading into a medley of Songs That Won The War each track seamlessly blending into the next. This is followed up by Meet Me At The Moon.

Next we have the second track to feature the vocals of all the choirs in the form of Counting Time (again, written by Gareth Malone). Then we reach two familiar tracks. One is the Military Wives version of the song written for the Queen’s Jubilee’s which they featured on it. It is of course Sing and makes an interesting listen. The second track (and last on the album) is a new version of the title track from the last album, In My Dreams additionally titled Remembrance Version.

Comparing this to their first outing, it doesn’t feel just as strict so to say. This time there feels a much more natural tone that seemed to be missing the last time round. Maybe it’s because there are most choirs involved and shows how popular these military choirs are becoming amongst the armed forces. Lovely collection of tracks that are delivered brilliantly.

Rating: 5/5