Will Young returns to his pop roots on glorious new album ‘Light It Up’

Editor Stephen Hill 12th August 2024

Twenty years after being crowned the inaugural winner of ITV's renowned reality singing competition Pop Idol, the esteemed British recording artist Will Young makes a triumphant return with his latest album, 'Light It Up'. 

This album marks his first venture into original music in a span of over five years. Consisting of ten life-affirming and thought-provoking tracks, which include the acclaimed singles 'Falling Deep' and 'Midnight', the album presents Young in a state of artistic tranquility as he endeavors to encapsulate authenticity within the realm of pop music, thereby producing one of the most coherent albums of his career thus far.  

By collaborating with distinguished Scandinavian hitmakers PhD (known for their work with artists such as Kylie Minogue and Little Mix) and reuniting with Andy Cato of Groove Armada alongside his longstanding writing partners, Jim and Mima Elliott, Young successfully infuses the album with the musical opulence of 1970s and 1980s soulful pop, embellishing it with a contemporary flair. 

His overarching aim is to craft songs that offer audiences either a means of escape or introspection, resonating deeply with those navigating the multi-faceted experiences of life in their forties. Drawing from a wealth of personal recollections and encounters, Will intricately shares his narrative in an authentic and profound manner.  In articulating his ambitions for the album, Will Young conveyed via a press release: “I truly hope that this becomes the definitive pop album, capable of eliciting dance, contemplation, and celebration. For me, it encapsulates all three. 

The process of producing a comprehensive pop album is profoundly exhilarating. The creation of pop music can be an incredibly enjoyable endeavor, and I have embraced the challenge of interpreting these compositions vocally.”