Susan Boyle
I Dreamed a Dream
Columbia Records
23 November 2009

By Don Weber

Susan Boyle is unique in her modest physique and perhaps normative demeanor. Along with wowing the Britain’s Got Talent viewers, she has now also made a solid recording with her debut album I Dreamed a Dream.  Her voice is powerful and well-directed so each song sounds like an instant classic. The only problem is that each song was already a classic to begin with, as this entire album is song covers.

Boyle’s album has twelve tracks, including well-known songs like “Wild Horses,” “Daydream Believer” and “Silent Night.” The album title also refers to her cover of the Les Miserables’ famous “I Dreamed a Dream.”

Boyle is the type of singer that could consistently maintain sales on her soft singing style. I would imagine that she will become one of those singers that releases holiday albums and does some covers that are picked up for various soundtracks.

If you like soft-toned holiday albums or hearing takes on previous hits, I Dreamed a Dream is a must find. Even though there is some awkwardness in the fact that the entire album is just covered songs, Boyle’s voice makes each one very unique. To put it best, Susan Boyle’s voice is genuinely nice.

I Dreamed a Dream is a good album with songs that have already been tested as successes. Her debut album is a relaxing work which will go very well with the eggnog and pine smells that come about this time of year. Boyle’s voice is truly perfect for the holiday season. Definitely check it out if you’re in a music store, and pick it up if you could use a soft album to relax to.