Customer Reviews

40,000 Things

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My first recollection of hearing Steve Brookstein was on a trip to Dublin, Ireland in June of 2008. I heard his cover of "Against All Odds" playing on the sound system of an airport shuttle between Hethrowe and Gatwick in London. And although I hate the term "he/she sounds Black", I thought who ever this "Brother" was doing this song sounded really good. After the song was over, I didn't give it another thought until roughly a year later when I heard the original Phil Collins version on the radio back here at home (Atlanta, GA). That made me remember the cover I heard in London.

So I began a search of cover versions of the song on YouTube and stumbled upon Steve Brookstein's video of the song which was his coronation song as the first winner of X-Factor UK. I had to listen to it a few times to make sure it was the same version, but was satisfied that this was the one I heard on my trip. That led me to watching his X-Factor journey on YouTube, which led to me finding his "Heart & Soul" covers album (also great!) and his work with the Four Vandals (you should really check that out), which led me to "40,000 Things."

I saw the video for "Fighting Butterflies" on YouTube, and bought a copy of the CD based on that song, and was NOT disappointed. This is without a doubt one of the best albums I've heard. Steve's smokey soulful voice is quite reminiscent of Luther Vandross on several of the tracks, yet has a unique quality all its own.

Highlights include the aforementioned "Fighting Butterflies," "All Turned Out Nice Again," and "Every Kind of People." Steve really shines on the ballads "Don't Change," "Take My Hand Be Mine," and the haunting closer "Can't Get Any Worse Than This." Plus he puts his indellible stamp on the covers of "Won't Last a Day Without You" and "Smile" (the latter of which he performed while on X-Factor.)

It's really too bad he got shafted by Simon Cowell, because I believe with the proper label backing and marketing, this could've been a hugely successful album. I feel really lucky to have it in my collection.

I am very much looking forward to new music by Mr. Brookstein and I am patiently waiting for that to happen. Until then, I am still enjoying "40,000 Things"!!

Steve won some talent show in Europe a couple of years ago. Not sure how. He now scrapes a living playing burger bars so there is some justice.