Four years in the making and with proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Haven charity following Siobhan Dillon’s own battle with cancer in 2015, One Voice is a truly sincere and emotional album to listen to from start to finish.
Having teamed up with renowned producer Steve Anderson (who has worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Westlife and Leona Lewis), it is a collection of songs that have personal meaning to the singer. This is strongly and consistently felt in the way in which the songs have been arranged and performed.
From the heartfelt and thoughtful rendition of ‘Let the Words Escape’ to a quiet and simple performance of ‘It Must Have Been Love’, it is an album in which a lot of love and affection has clearly been put into it. Knowing that Dillon selected each song because it has personal connection to her, allows the listener an insight into the journey that she has been on to get to this point.
One Voice is a rollercoaster of emotions and feels very introspective to listen to, particularly on songs such as Dillon’s rendition of ‘She Used to Be Mine’ from the musical Waitress or ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’. The orchestrations really enhance the power and delicacy of the singer’s vocals .
There is also no weak link in the album. Every song connects to the other beautifully, ensuring that it is consistent with its emotional journey, finishing with the wistful but yet somehow hopeful sounding ‘Promise Me’ that completes the album perfectly.
When talking about the album Dillon claimed that “The decision to have my vocals front and centre – warts and all – was deliberate. Maybe uncomfortable at times, for me and the listener, but the only way I could express myself in the way I wanted.” There are no warts and it is certainly never uncomfortable to listen to her perfectly pitched vocals at any point during this album – every song allows her delicacy and deep understanding for each song to shine through.
Overall, it is a lovely gem of an album to listen to, proving that the four years it has taken to make it was certainly worth the wait.
By Emma Clarendon
One Voice is available to download through Amazon, Apple Music and Spotify.
Rating: *****
Five Stars