It was almost a year ago when Chris Mann first appeared in his audition for The Voice which landed him under Christina Aguilera’s team. This Wichita, Kansas native who just hoped of making it in the show, was not voted out and after the series ended he immediately signed a contract under Faircraft/Universal Republic, a new label formed by renowned producer/music executive Ron Fair. Mann studied opera at Vanderbilt in Nashville. and spent years singing in clubs and auditioning for record labels.
“When he strode onto a soundstage at Sony Studios to perform Andrea Bocelli’s “Because We Believe” for his Voice audition, Mann was more nervous than he’d ever been before a performance. “It was a combination of knowing that this was bigger than anything I had ever done before and realizing that it could change my life,” he says. “I just sensed that that something different was gonna happen this time—something good.”
A year after, he is releasing his major label debut Roads :
“a bold reimagining of the classical-pop genre. The aptly-titled album represents the culmination of a long and challenging journey for this gifted and dedicated young artist, who’d been pushing forward against what had appeared to be overwhelming odds.”
“Roads boasts a wildly eclectic assortment of songs, ranging from Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” and Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” to “Ave Maria” and Damien Rice’s “The Blowers’ Daughter,” with the latter featuring a special guest appearance from Aguilera.”
I was fortunate enough to be one of the first to preview the songs in the album and since I liked classical pop, I enjoyed his rendition of My Way which was specifically remade by no less than Paul Anka who was so taken with Mann’s voice. Anka modified the lyrics so-instead of being about a guy looking back, this new version is written from the point of view of a young man looking hopefully ahead—an idea very much similar the theme of Roads. Aside from that, I also liked Always On My Mind which brings out Chris Mann’s soft but overpowering voice. All of his songs are very soothing, perfect for a romantic night or just a regular one at home when you intend to relax and rest.
To get the same good feel I had listening to Chris Mann’s songs, you can get the same experience by getting the album available at itunes and/or at Amazon.com
Disclosure: This is a review post from One2One Network. I was provided with a copy of the album and I am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated are my own.