Rhydian Roberts announces second album – ‘O Fortuna’ – preorder now
The biggest selling debut male artist of 2008 is back. Today the classically trained X Factor finalist Rhydian Roberts announces details for his brand new studio abuml. O Fortuna showcases Rhydian as his very own man. He says, “I had a much more free hand with this album. I could spend my career trying to reinvent myself but ultimately this is me as a real singer. This is very much where I envisaged being when I was at music school. I’m made up. It’s brilliant. And long may it continue.”
Produced by Karl Jenkins and Nigel Wright, the album was recorded between July and October of this year. O Fortuna is a natural progression from Rhydian’s debut release and confirms his place as the UK’s leading classical cross over artist. As well as being backed by a welsh male voice choir, the new album sees him teaming up with classical heavyweight Karl Jenkins, opera superstar Bryn Terfel, harp virtuoso Catrin Finch and the legendary Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
Rhydian pays tribute to his welsh heritage with a collection of much loved Welsh favourites such as Land Of Our Fathers and Myfanwy, classic hymns like How Great Thou Art, musical favourites Anthem from the musical Chess, pop classics Annie’s Song and The Living Years and the classical anthem O Fortuna (which has been reintroduced to a new audience by the X Factor in recent years). The album also includes a special new track, I Won’t Let You Walk This Road Alone, written for Rhydian by Grammy award winning songwriter/producer Walter Afansieff.
Rhydian’s rich baritone voice and unique talent first came to the public’s attention in 2007 when he was touted as the bookies favourite to win the X Factor. Not the typical finalist we’ve come to expect from the show, Rhydian really is a unique proposition and immediately caught the public’s imagination with his flamboyant style, passionate performances and versatile classically trained voice.
His debut album ‘Rhydian’, released in November 2008, sold over 500,000 copies making the biggest selling debut male artist of 2008, despite being kept off the top spot by The Killers and the eagerly anticipated returned of Guns N’ Roses. Although Rhydian was the runner up in 2007’s X Factor he went on to comprehensively outsell that year’s winner Leon Jackson.
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Simply can’t wait for Rhydian’s new album O Fortuna which is out on Nov 30th.
The tracklist is wonderful and put together with Rhydian’s unique style and amazing voice this is going to be an awesome album.It has all the ingredients to make it a sure winner.
Waiting so very much for Rhydian’s second album.
He is the best singer UK music can offer just now, with his 2009 year sold out Tour he has proved that his performance skills have outgrown X Factor and have raised to the new heights and I have no doubts his album will be marvelous and victorious.
This reads like the must have album for fans of contemporary classical music.
If this has been endorsed by some really established legends than I will definitely get this for my collection.
BTW much as I think that Leon Jackson is a canny lad in no way does this represent my thoughts on him winning the X factor in 2007. Leon winning was a mistake and it has also proved itself that all those voting for Leon did not result in album sales and thereby prevent him being dropped by the record company.
Sorry! but not really keen on his new image his hair is too short and his makeup is terrible. I think he looked much better when his ex girlfriend did it, you can always tell the difference.
Really looking forward to hearing the new album how exciting!
I won’t let the image mar the feelings a good voice gives you.
Just heard some from Susan Boyles CD this is to is also a must. Very impressive I thought it was someone else.
Heard O Fortuna-the lead track -in its entirety for the first time and it is awesome.Also heard sample tracks of all the songs-This album truly is going to be spectacular.Counting down the days to Nov 30th.
Me to.