Pop’s most enduring super-group, Westlife have finally emerged from the studio after a year-long break to present their brand new album, ‘Where We Are’. Spending much of 2009 hidden away in studios across Europe and the US, Westlife have been quietly creating their most exciting album to date. ‘Where We Are’ features work from pop’s finest craftsmen, including grammy nominated Ryan Tedder (Leona Lewis, Beyonce) Steve Robson (James Morrison, Take That) Steve Booker (Duffy) Louis Biancaniello and Sam Watters (Whitney Houston, Anastacia.) and Shaznay Lewis, who co-writes a track with band member Mark Feehily. These stellar production teams have helped the boys create a new and contemporary sound, whilst retaining those classic Westlife soaring melodies and rousing lyrics. Featuring the already massive hit single ‘What About Now’ it’s a collection bound to excite fans and pop enthusiasts alike. Perhaps best showcasing this new sound is ‘Shadows,’ co-written by Backstreet Boy A. J. Mclean. A classic Westlife choral anthem, peppered with a futuristic military drum roll fashioned by urban-pop maestro Ryan Tedder. The song sets the benchmark for the sound which brings Westlife bang up-to-date on the eve of the new decade. Elsewhere ‘The Difference’ visits rockier terrain, while ‘Another World’ allows Mark Feehily’s exquisite vocal to escalate to gospel territory, a moment sure to thrill live. ‘I’ll See You Again’ laments the passing of a loved one, set to a haunting landscape of piano, synths and acoustic guitar, a moment surely relatable. Shane Filan of the band says “We’ve been experimenting with a fresh vibe on this record, working with new producers and writing songs for the album ourselves. After eleven years we see this as phase two of the Westlife story.
