DOTD UK 11/02: "Grace" by Will Young

There is one major concrete difference between the US music industry and the UK music industry.

A song like "Grace" would probably flop on pop radio.

For the WY fans ready to flood the comments with "I hate you" messages, the statement says more about American radio than it does about Will.

I happen to think "Grace" is brilliant.

The reasons why it would fail are the reasons why its amazing. "Grace" is simple, but rich in its musical composition. It's a mid-tempo ballad; not rhythmic, like the Stargate productions that have been smothering our airwaves for the last 2 years. The lyrics, written by Will himself, are thoughtful, inspiring, and metaphoric. His voice is smooth, yet passionate. With every word he sings, you can feel it.

So, why would a song so great fail in America? Because it's atypical, interesting, different, and nothing like what's on radio now. In a country where UK gems like Kylie, Robbie, and Girls Aloud flop miserably, most people wouldn't get the pure elegance that this song so easily evokes.

But Will Young doesn't need Leona size success to define himself as a singer, and an artist. He has proven with "Changes" and this single that he is truly a cut above many in his pop generation.

How?

Don't you know? He sings about it.

Will Young has grace.

Rating: 9/10