-
27
Sep
Susan Boyle’s second album, due for release in US on November 9 on the SYCO/Columbia Records label, has topped the US charts on pre-orders six weeks before its official release. The official UK release date is November 8.
The Gift is number one on Amazon’s US music chart just one day after being made available to order. Boyle’s album topped the chart, beating new releases from Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Neil Young and Taylor Swift.
Susan Boyle's second album "The Gift"
Amazon declared this “the season of Susan” and said the interest in the Britain’s Got Talent sensation was unprecedented. “She has done phenomenally well going to the top of the chart in the US based on one day of pre-orders alone and she’s racing up the charts in the UK as well,” an Amazon spokesperson said. “She has really captured the hearts of the nation, both here and in the States.”
Susan Boyle’s debut album, “I Dreamed A Dream”, was a 9 times platinum record-breaking debut in 2009 to become the largest global CD pre-order in history; it went on to sell nine million copies and was the biggest selling album of that year. Judging by the buzz around the singer’s new release, she may just top that.
The album features ten tracks including Christmas classics “The First Noel”, “Away In A Manger”, “O Holy Night”, “Make Me A Channel For Your Peace,” “Auld Lang Syne,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful,”alongside covers of pop hits such as Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” and Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over.”
The first single from the album is a cover of “Perfect Day”, a song originally written and performed by Lou Reed in 1972. SuBo was to perform “Perfect Day” on “America’s Got Talent” earlier this month but was prevented from singing it, leading to accusations that Lou Reed himself had refused her permission for the song. Representatives for Lou Reed said the song had been cleared for British television but not for the United States before the “America’s Got Talent” broadcast. Evidently SuBo and Lou Reed have buried the hatchet.
Susan launched an online talent competition called Susan’s Search to search for a duet partner where wannabe singers were invited to upload videos of themselves performing “Silent Night.” The competition was one of YouTube’s most successful, getting one entry every six minutes after its launch last July. Susan picked given ambulance medic, Amber Stassi, a shot at fame by selecting her for a duet on her forthcoming album. Susan Boyle’s “The Gift” presents the debut of Amber Stassi, singing a transcendent duet with Susan on “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
Amber Stassi
Susan said in a press release: “When making this album, I really wanted the songs to touch hearts. Music has always been a companion to me, particularly on special occasions. I wanted there to be a mix of songs that would flow with all our moods this holiday season. As much as the season is a time for reflection, it is also a time for fun and enjoyment with those closest to us.”
On another note, Susan Boyle recently moved into her new £300,000 house which she bought in March this year. The house is lovely, but modest by celebrity standards.
Susan Boyle's new house
It had been reported by Susan’s brother, Gerry Boyle, that she could not afford to furnish the home, as despite amassing £10,000,000 in royalties from the sale of her albums, the money was said to be “ring fenced” and Susan was reportedly living on just £500 per week.
With Christmas just three months away, Susan Boyle’s “The Gift” will be the perfect gift.
“The Gift”…..Susan Boyle’s gift to the world!
