Steinman To Write For Rhydian

[Diane]

Meatloaf writer signs up for Rhydian album

Jan 20 2008 (http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/uk-news/2008/01/20/) by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday

X-FACTOR star Rhydian Roberts’ career is taking off like Bat Out Of Hell – thanks to Meatloaf’s songwriter Jim Steinman.

The man who penned some of the super-sized singer’s most popular songs is now helping Rhydian write songs for his debut album, due out in October.

“I’m thrilled about that,” said Rhyd.

“It seems Jim had seen a clip of me singing Meatloaf’s I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) on one of the X Factor shows, a song he himself had written.

“I’m a big Meatloaf fan too, we’ve both got that kind of quasi-opera thing going on – although he’s a tenor and I’m a baritone.”

It’s another coup for Rhydian, following on the heels of signing a £1m album deal with Simon Cowell’s label Sony BMG last month.

But it’s not been all plain sailing for Rhydian, who was pipped to the top prize by popular 19-year-old Scottish shop assistant Leon Jackson last December.
Speaking on his return from a holiday in Mexico, he told Wales on Sunday that he spent the first seven days of his relaxing break laid up with a bout of pneumonia.

“Well, I say ‘pneumonia’, but my uncle Nigel reckons it was more like a really bad case of man flu,” said the 24-year-old star from Sennybridge, who was taking a fortnight break abroad with his parents and a small army of relatives.
“Uncle Nige had it too, not as bad as me, of course.We both started feeling ill after getting off the plane.

“But whatever it was, it was a shocker and I was out of action for the first seven days, that’s why I look so pale in the pics you’ve seen of me,” Rhydian added.

“I had constant headaches, water on the chest and couldn’t walk about hardly at all.”

The two weeks away, though, have helped him to recover from the initial disappointment of finishing in second place – not to mention the cries of “‘Fix!” that surrounded the X Factor live final as 2,500 furious fans claimed they couldn’t vote for their favourite because phone lines were jammed.

“I’m leaving all that behind me, there’s no sense in dwelling on ‘what ifs’,” said the singer, en route to perform two sold-out shows in Southampton.
“Besides, how could I? I’ve got so much going on. I feel blessed.

“Yes, I was disappointed not to have won but I take my hat off to Leon. He has done well.

“But Simon (Cowell) and Sony have faith in me and are confident I won’t disappear now the show is over. I am trusting them.”

And to make sure he stays in the spotlight, Rhydian said a change of image could be on the cards.

“I may dye my hair fire-engine red next,” he said. “Variety is the spice of life and I like to surprise people.”

nathan.bevan@mediawales.co.uk

Found here (http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk:80/news/uk-news/2008/01/20/meatloaf-writer-signs-up-for-rhydian-album-91466-20370726/)

[meatloaf-unofficial]

well what can we say? Once the album is done it should be really interesting if Jim is on board :-)

[djfierce]

It'll also be interesting to see how many think he's great all of a sudden :lol:

[meatloaf-unofficial]

It will be worth listening to if Jim is helping writing the songs... don't ya think?

Could he be the next Meat Loaf???????................... Joke! Not one can replace a true rock opera artist!

[djfierce]

well considering over on the x factor thread alot of folk were saying he couldnt sing then no it doesnt matter who writes for him.

I did say over there i thought he had a good voice, my point above is simply that it will be interesting to see how many people change their mind JUST because Steinman is invloved.

It's a great opportunity for Rhydian and i'm sure he will make the most of it, however i would've listened to his debut single with interest regardless of who's involved.

It will also be intersting to see what direction Steinman takes him, i just hope it isnt gonna be a mini meat project ;)

However good luck to the lad:D

[Ma.Ra]

As far as I have seen on youtube, he has definitely not the stage performance of Meat. For me, his AFL from x-factor is not good (politely said).

If one of the "should have been on bat3"songs lands on his CD....
It is just blasphemy.

[djfierce]

yes AFL was a disaster but he can sing and did seem to grow alot thru the series so we will see what happens

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted: NOT an X Factor fan in any shape or form, so only seen snippets of the contest when i've walked into a room and it's been on a telly.

I noticed Rhydian in the last few weeks of the competition, and thought he had a pretty good voice (although being a stuborn ~~~~~~, it is engrained in my phycie to hate everything to do with X Factor :lol: )

I didn't see the Anything Fopr Love performance on TV so i've just looked for it on youtube.
Can't say I enjoyed that performance very much, was way too pop IMHO.
I've also watched his performance of Go West, and although not out and out offensive, I wasn't overlly impressed.
With all that said, I REALLY enjoyed his versions of Oh Holy Night and Phantom Of The Opera :metal:

If Jimmy gives him some great songs, and he sings it in a style true to the material, I think the result could be pretty good.

I'm hardly counting the days so I can start camping outside HMV a week before the release day though :lol:

[djfierce]

Phantom of the opera was certainly the most outstanding performance of his as far as i'm concerned

[Heg19]

I'm sure Rhydian will do very well can't say i like him, he has a fantastic voice but comes across as very wooden and i thought his version of anything for love was incredibly wooden he had no emotion! but good luck to the fella he was a better singer than the one who won!

[AndrewG]

If one of the "should have been on bat3"songs lands on his CD....
It is just blasphemy.

Letting Desmond Child produce Bat 3 and making a fuss/wasting time about stupid titles such as "If God Could talk" instead of "If God Would Talk" is blasphemy too imo!

Jim can do all he wants with the songs, they belong to him as long as no-one else has recorded them before.

I think we must not forget everyone was against Steinman and Meat Loaf when they started out. It's usually what happens and I read the same attitude towards new singers here in many posts too.

[The Flying Mouse]

:twisted:

GNMrrwo1m_A

[Sapphire Lady]

Well I say good luck to Rhydian. If it's true, Jim has obviously recognised a great talent in him.

[firefly]

Well I say good luck to Rhydian. If it's true, Jim has obviously recognised a great talent in him.
Well said.... My thought's exaclty!!! :-)

[Pudding]

Well I say good luck to Rhydian. If it's true, Jim has obviously recognised a great talent in him.

Agree totally.

I don't understand why all of a sudden people are trying to compare Rhydian to Meat Loaf...WTF? Meat Loaf's had his crack at the big time and was very successful, if Jim decides he wants to work with a younger talent then so be it.

It seems this Rhydian has signed a 1million pound album deal with Sony/BMG, which it seems Jim Steinman might be involved with. Also Andrew Lloyd Webber has approached him to play the Phantom in Phantom Of The Opera 2, which hardly makes him a talentless hack.

As for Ma.Ra's comments, well that's just nonsense talk. Meat Loaf & Desmond Child chose exactly what songs they wanted on Bat3. Had they wanted more Jim Steinman songs on the album then they could have quite easily covered or pilfered a few more, they chose not to. So I fail to see how blasphemy was committed.

I don't think his 2 minute rendition of Anything For love was all that bad all things considered. I wish Rhydian every success.

Pud :twisted:

[RadioMaster]

I have to say i havent listened to any performance of this guy so far, simply because I wasnt interested in another one of those numerous casting shows.
However, the fact that there's actually a record deal signed with Jim involved implies that this project could be going somewhere, unlike batman, dream engine, etc, etc, etc

Im just happy that we (might) get a new Steinman album

[djfierce]

i dont actually see anyone comparing rhydian to meat, that's impossible, we havent seen what rhydian and jim have come up with yet.
My one and only point is that i hope jim takes him in a completely different direction and something unique to rhydian, i personally couldnt give a ~~~~ who sings what, but i ould like to see something that would be new.

The nature of rhydians voice would make it easy for him to sing meat/steinman songs so i hope for something different, not neccessariy because i think Meat's versions are sacred and can't b touched but because i think Rhydian deserves a bit more than that.

I too wish him well, he should've won the x factor, imo the pretty young lad with no vocals won instead

[AndyK]

Yeah in this case the best man didn't win, but then Rhydian doesn't have the "teen" appeal does he, hopefully with his talent he'll have more longevity in the business than a one hit wonder.

If Rhydian and Jim do work together, then that's not a bad thing at all, with any luck we'll get some new Steinman material to get our teeth (ears) into.

[mszee]

Well, I don't know who Rhydian is - we don't get that show here...but WHICH uncle Nigel was he refering to??? :lmao:

What a coincidence...if it is a coincidence...

[Benny]

Well I say good luck to Rhydian. If it's true, Jim has obviously recognised a great talent in him.


Agree, he is a good entertainer. Good luck Rhydian:up:

[RadioMaster]

just looked up his performance of afl on youtube, and i have to say hes definitely got something. Hes got a bit of an opera touch, which i always like about singers (-> Steve Barton, etc) I'm sure if Jim finds material that suits him and makes him understand the songs, then the result wont to too bad.

[dottie]

Also in The Sun On Line - great article

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article709853.ece

[Ma.Ra]

LOL, but Rob Evan and the others of TDE is soo much better than this guy....


I really don't understand Steinman. If he would be interested in the art, he would have continued with TDE, but no, he has to work with a casting guy....
Seems Steinman is primarly interested in money.

Even with a Steinsong he failed...

[RadioMaster]

LOL, but Rob Evan and the others of TDE is soo much better than this guy....


I really don't understand Steinman. If he would be interested in the art, he would have continued with TDE, but no, he has to work with a casting guy....
Seems Steinman is primarly interested in money.

Even with a Steinsong he failed...


funny....was thinking about this today: who is better suited for a steinman album, rob evan or rhydian?
Judging from this one clip ive heard i have to say i prefer his voice to rob evan's. hes got something unique, interesting, while rob evan sounds like every second broadway artist. that said ive never been a huge fan of rob evan doing steinman, so i might be a little biased on this one.

[mszee]

funny....was thinking about this today: who is better suited for a steinman album, rob evan or rhydian?
Judging from this one clip ive heard i have to say i prefer his voice to rob evan's. hes got something unique, interesting, while rob evan sounds like every second broadway artist. that said ive never been a huge fan of rob evan doing steinman, so i might be a little biased on this one.

I didn't hear Rhydian yet but I did hear Rob Evan live doing Steinman...ummm...not so good as far as I am concerned...no passion...singing by the book...

[Ma.Ra]

Then I prefer "every broadway" artist than any popper...

[Ma.Ra]

Then I prefer "every broadway" artist than any popper...

I love Elaine Caswells voice:heart:

[mszee]

Our "poppers" Clay Aiken and Fantasia are on Broadway now...who do you think is on Broadway???

[Pudding]

Seems Steinman is primarly interested in money.

If that were true, then Steinman would have produced Bat 3 and raked in royalities for all the songs on the album. He'd also be pumping out compilation after compilation and probably get any old American Idol fart to sing one of his songs on their albums and rake in more money from them.

Your anti-Steinman rhetoric of late is kinda baffling to say the least.

Pud :twisted:

[Pudding]

funny....was thinking about this today: who is better suited for a steinman album, rob evan or rhydian?
Judging from this one clip ive heard i have to say i prefer his voice to rob evan's. hes got something unique, interesting, while rob evan sounds like every second broadway artist. that said ive never been a huge fan of rob evan doing steinman, so i might be a little biased on this one.

You pretty much summed it up. Rhydian, although not the best thing since sliced bread, is good, he does have something unique. The only thing unique about Rob Evan is the size of his head, which is bigger than an Hallowe'en pumpkin.


The Dream Engine was primarily a Steven Rinkoff project not Steinman's and the success and failure of it was mainly due to the direction (or lack of) from Rinkoff. Rob Evan would have suited TDE in the role of say a touring show like what Trans-Siberian Orchestra is. I don't believe for one minute that TDE with Rob Evan as lead singer would of or could of made it commercially successful in the tradition 'group' sense like The Osmonds or Jackson 5 or Metallica :shock:

Pud :twisted:

[Ma.Ra]

If that were true, then Steinman would have produced Bat 3 and raked in royalities for all the songs on the album. He'd also be pumping out compilation after compilation and probably get any old American Idol fart to sing one of his songs on their albums and rake in more money from them.

Your anti-Steinman rhetoric of late is kinda baffling to say the least.

Pud :twisted:

You have no idea. Since OTT and because bat3 and the Neverland Express without Patti I am more steinman-esque than before....

I just can't here such casted stuff...
I don't know, but the German version is so horrible awfull and the big man in the jury, Dieter Bohlen (former member of "modern talking"), may write the songs for the winners of "Idol" and his songs are so awful, you wouldn't believe.

Seeing Steinman in this league hurts.

EDIT: I mean I really don't wanna strange sunged steinman songs, like the most of your blog-site, pud.

[djfierce]

ok before you lanch into bad singing comments, take a look at his best performance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSUuOlsEDfU


give the guy a break

geez :roll:

[firefly]

just looked up his performance of afl on youtube, and i have to say hes definitely got something. Hes got a bit of an opera touch, which i always like about singers (-> Steve Barton, etc) I'm sure if Jim finds material that suits him and makes him understand the songs, then the result wont to too bad.
Rhydian should have an opera touch to him he has been doing opera for 5 year's.... all I say is..... All the best to Rhydian and Jim and can't wait to hear some new songs from Jim.

[Ma.Ra]

Me thinks it is a personal thing:?: I dont like his stage performance, if there is any (comparing to Meat or the so called Broadway singers), also I don't like hydrogen-blond hairs (bad memories to a film character).:twisted:

[angelica]

ok before you lanch into bad singing comments, take a look at his best performance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSUuOlsEDfU


give the guy a break

geez :roll:

I only caught bits of the show so can't really comment on all his performances, but what I did see, I thought he was the best of the bunch. He had a really good stage presence and a really strong voice. Thanks for posting the above Anji because I did'nt see that, thought that was brilliant! All I would say is good luck to the lad.

[djfierce]

Me thinks it is a personal thing:?: I dont like his stage performance, if there is any (comparing to Meat or the so called Broadway singers), also I don't like hydrogen-blond hairs (bad memories to a film character).:twisted:




i agree about the stage presence/performance but my reference was to your comments on singing quality, he can sing very well, still has much to learn but we will see what happens, from his afl performance to the end of the show he grew alot and seemed willing to be humbled and learn a few things.

I dont think we can really comment on stage presence etc until we see the finished article and how he comes out of this process he is about to enter. A very exciting time for him and i hope he makes the most of it.

[mszee]

OK...so I went on youtube and listened to Rhydian...

Definitely can sing Steinman songs...no doubt...

Who knows...maybe a young man with a fresh voice is an inspiration...rather than money making opportunity for an artist like Steinman?

I can definitely see Rhydian inspiring Steinman rather than Rob Evan...

By the way...what kind of name is Rhydian (sorry for my ignorance) and what kind of accent is it??? Definitely the one to watch in my opinion...

[firefly]

Me thinks it is a personal thing:?: I dont like his stage performance, if there is any (comparing to Meat or the so called Broadway singers), also I don't like hydrogen-blond hairs (bad memories to a film character).:twisted:
Was anyone comparing Meat to Rhydion....?????

Rhydion sang great on a few his his performances and even tho there was a few songs he was struggeling with... he sang most of them very well... he must, have for Jim to do a song for him.

[djfierce]

By the way...what kind of name is Rhydian (sorry for my ignorance) and what kind of accent is it??? Definitely the one to watch in my opinion...

he's Welsh hun

[mszee]

he's Welsh hun

Thanks...

Well, if we don't get here his record...I might need a favor or two...;)

[firefly]

he's Welsh hun
Only the Best!!!! ;)

[firefly]

Thanks...

Well, if we don't get here his record...I might need a favor or two...;)
Just give me a shout!!! ;)

[RadioMaster]

hes definitely got potential, so much is clear. The interesting thing to see is where this is gonna lead him, and Jim Steinman involved in this whole thing is a good sign that this will become something quite interesting.

[firefly]

hes definitely got potential, so much is clear. The interesting thing to see is where this is gonna lead him, and Jim Steinman involved in this whole thing is a good sign that this will become something quite interesting.
Totaly agree with you RJ... if he was'nt any good do you think Jim would be interested.... dont think so.

[mszee]

Thanks, Ali...I just might call you on that!!!

I say nutty things today...so this may not be an exception...although he isn't Steven Barton...there is something reminds me of him in the Dance of the Vampires...I am not sure what...something collective...stage presence, looks, etc...

[Ma.Ra]

Was anyone comparing Meat to Rhydion....?????

Rhydion sang great on a few his his performances and even tho there was a few songs he was struggeling with... he sang most of them very well... he must, have for Jim to do a song for him.

Yes! There will always be comparions with Meat. Because Steinman an Jim are the originial dynamic duo. Otherwise you compare someone often with his largest success'.

[RadioMaster]

Thanks, Ali...I just might call you on that!!!

I say nutty things today...so this may not be an exception...although he isn't Steven Barton...there is something reminds me of him in the Dance of the Vampires...I am not sure what...something collective...stage presence, looks, etc...


i think it's his stage persona: elegant, cool, slightly arrogant, self-confident....I quite like that, it's a difference to these always-smiling, ever-happy boygroup-archetype kind of newcomers, who all look and act the same.

[mszee]

i think it's his stage persona: elegant, cool, slightly arrogant, self-confident....I quite like that, it's a difference to these always-smiling, ever-happy boygroup-archetype kind of newcomers, who all look and act the same.

Very different...and different is good...

[lorenzoduke]

First Boyzone, then Westlife, and now this. :(

For me, Steinman's songs are best performed by someone with heart, and grit. From all I've seen, Rhydian is nothing but an arrogant show-off who revels in his own pomposity, and every song I've seen him sing comes off as some sort of horrible Vegas-style parody.

I have to say, it would be a terrible shame for any new Steinman gems to be wasted on him.

[RadioMaster]

First Boyzone, then Westlife, and now this. :(

For me, Steinman's songs are best performed by someone with heart, and grit. From all I've seen, Rhydian is nothing but an arrogant show-off who revels in his own pomposity, and every song I've seen him sing comes off as some sort of horrible Vegas-style parody.

I have to say, it would be a terrible shame for any new Steinman gems to be wasted on him.

couldnt disagree more. lol
I think hes a welcome change to westlife, boyzone, etc.
Rob Evan is rather the artist I'd add to the above list, although (unlike those boygroups) he can sing.

[tinkerbell]

Steinman To Write For Rhydian........Well blow me over with a feather:shock:

[RadioMaster]

to me this whole article looks like theyre not even sure themselves what theyre gonna do.
Is jim writing songs for him? does he sing his old stuff? Is jim helping him writing? an album? a song? does jim teach him how to write? etc etc etc

[duke knooby]

Steinman To Write to a record company schedule........Well blow me over with a feather:shock:

lol

[Paul191]

If people are trying to defent Meat here then find condolence with the fact he can sing pretty much anything where as Rhydian can't!

I can really see him doing SOME of Jim's songs. He's is a fantastic singer!!!!!! However, can I see him doing Paradise or Took the Words? No, not really.

[K1ttycat]

I loved Rhydian on X-Factor and thought he should have won.....I was already looking forward to his first cd but now that Jim's involved it I'm looking VERY forward to it!

K.

[Rosiec211]

Personally, although I don't like how X-Factor works as I think it destroys the music industry (I mean, when are we gonna be able to have a classic Christmas No. 1 again like Slade or Wizzard??? Never as long as X-Factor runs!!) but I do enjoy watching the show, mainly for the appalling auditions but Rhydian stood out in my eyes from day one and I did follow him through the show. I thought his version of IWDAFL was great-obviously not as good as the real thing but a real show-stopper none the less, and I was upset he didn't win. If he works with Jim, I will definitely be buying the record!

[RadioMaster]

the steinman forum says they wont work together, its been just a rumour.
The album shall be out in april and thats too fast for Jim.
However, it might include a cover of AFL.

[djfierce]

oh joy