Russell Watson: Anthems - an album guide

1. Race To The End

Kicking off the album in an Olympic style, Russell’s reworked the anthem ‘Chariots of Fire’ and given it an inspiring set of lyrics. Perfect for getting the athletes in the mood.

2. Swing Low Sweet Chariot

Another sporting classic, Russell shows off his operatic side in his personal take on the classic rugby favourite.

3. We Are The Champions

Quite a different version from Queen’s original track from 1977 on their News of the World Album! Covering a classic is always risky but Russell puts his own stamp on this iconic piece.

4. World In Union

You might recognise the chorus tune from Holst’s ‘Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity’, otherwise known as ‘I vow to thee my country’. This incarnation is a pop-inspired operatic fusion, capturing the patriotic spirit behind the words.

5. Abide With Me

A beautiful hymn with a full orchestra accompanying Russell’s smooth voice. And with a rousing key change at the end, it moves from peaceful classic to bold musical statement by the end.

6. Danny Boy

It’s an Irish ballad, in a relaxing pared down version. Starting with piano and Russell’s hushed tones, the orchestra creeps in gradually, giving us space to listen carefully to the words.

7. White Cliffs Of Dover-with Dame Vera Lynn

There’ll be bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover! The popular World War II song, made famous by Dame Vera Lynn in her 1942 recording, is given a modern reworking – and Dame Vera makes an appearance once more.

8. Calon Lan

The hymn-turned-rugby chant is now sung before almost every Welsh rugby union Test match. He may not be singing in Welsh, but the English translation is still very beautiful.

9. Jerusalem

And what patriotic album would be complete without a rousing chorus of Jerusalem to get the pulse racing? Russell puts the power in his voice to good use in this classic hymn.

10. Flower of Scotland

Another song performed in the London 2012 Opening Ceremony, Russell is moving round the UK and adopting the wealth of traditional songs as his own. Flower of Scotland was only written in 1965, but it’s been adopted as an unofficial Scottish national anthem.

11. Land of Hope and Glory

Union Jacks at the ready for Elgar’s traditional masterpiece! Russell is accompanied by a choir to capture the full glory of the music.

12. Nimrod

A tear-jerking British orchestral favourite, where Russell proves his speaking voice is as poetic as his singing voice. He recites Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If’ over the lush strings.

13. Proud

“What have you done today to make you feel proud?” Moving away from the Romantic orchestral favourites, this is an operatic take on Heather Small’s brilliant anthem, ‘Proud'.