Musical theatre star Danielle Steers releases her debut album as a solo artist; putting together a collection of songs by Jim Steinman (Bat Out of Hell). It’s a pleasingly rocky and upbeat album of nine tracks which showcase the singer’s versatile voice.
You’ll find 80s rock classics made famous by Bonnie Tyler, Meat Loaf, Pandora’s Box, and Steinman himself. Hold your hairbrush, rock out in front of your mirror, and enjoy some interesting new mixes of the over-familiar. Alongside these are underexposed numbers which work really well, notably Rock and Roll Dreams and Safe Sex; requiring Steers to dig deep for a genuine rock voice.
In the press release for the album, Steers explains the process of formulating this collection. “I’ve been a fan of Jim’s music from a young age. Being cast in ‘Bat Out of Hell’ was a dream come true and truly life changing … My album of Jim’s songs is a love-letter to the fans who have supported me for nearly three years and still do to this day and Steinman himself.”
With arrangements by Noam Galperin – who also produces the album and plays keyboards – Steers has the freedom to indulge herself in the songs of her youth. Four backing singers help add a layered sound where required, plus two guest stars (Lauren Drew on a lively Holding Out for a Hero, and Simon Gordon on a smoky Total Eclipse of the Heart).
It remains interesting to see what musical theatre stars come up with when they crossover. Both Cassidy Janson and Marisha Wallace’s debuts have given a glimpse into their popular music influences; in Steers’s case, with her work in both SIX and Bat Out of Hell, I am not surprised that she has taken the rockier route.
This is an assured first solo album, for which you don’t necessarily have to have prior knowledge of the work of Steinman. You can purchase here at a cost of £15.
LouReviews received complimentary access to review this album.