On Air Now
Classic FM's More Music Breakfast with Tim Lihoreau 6am - 9am
Inspired by the nation’s patriotism in the Olympics and at the Queen’s Jubilee, Classic BRITs-nominated Russell Watson’s album of rousing British music is sure to get you waving a flag.
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.
Another sporting classic, Russell shows off his operatic side in his personal take on the classic rugby favourite.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Union Jacks at the ready for Elgar’s traditional masterpiece! Russell is accompanied by a choir to capture the full glory of the music.
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.
“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'.
A fitting end to such a patriotic album. All rise for Russell’s take on the National Anthem.