Ice bath time

Just like this blog, barlowen isn’t dead :)

Well look who decided to kill us

*zooms in*

Track-by-Track Listening Party of Music Played By Humans with Gary

1. Who’s Driving This Thing When I looked at this album, I thought, ‘Let's have a track that introduces all the sections of the orchestra. When have I ever been able to do that before?’ It’s great fun and lyrics that I'd never written before.

This fabulous orchestra needed introducing - section by section - it was such fun to write- when making demos for these kind of records they always sound absolutely terrible - but when the orchestra finally plays it it’s like magic. Humans bring it all to life.

2. Incredible Ah the wonderful ‘incredible’ this came early. About the 3rd song I wrote for the record. It felt like a 3 minute delight. Again, it really came to life once we got the Orch on there.

3. Elita Mr. Buble called me last night to ask how the record was going. I told him great but no one liked Elita. Yes we wind each other up. He’s one of my favourite people. We also love love Seb. So talented and smart. I do love this song. It’s a grower.

4. The Big Bass Drum The big bass drum - a song about falling in love with a dancer. Mmmm hang on I really enjoyed going down this hybrid swing/retro beats route. I can also see the live show I’ve got planned for the arena tour. Orchestra - dancers - lots of red - warm colours. I’m enjoying this - listening along with you all - remembering all the work from all the wonderful people who have worked on this record. There’s so many. We had the best of the best.

5. This Is My Time Ok - this is my track - single spot light - piano - strings all around - again, this came early. Felt like it needed to be written. The Love for another. Never has it felt so important. If Love can kill you then this is my time

6. Enough Is Enough Omg - here she comes - @Beverleyknight what a Queen - what a voice - Love this lady - has to be a single right ? Look out for Bev and me singing this on @itv this Sunday 9pm.   One more thing - Bev is one of the nicest, most humble people I’ve ever met. Love her.

7. Bad Libran Ha ha Bad Libran. Do you believe in the stars ? Tim Firth and me had fun crafting this tongue twister into a pop song. Unbelievable arrangements and playing on this thanks to Mr Tom Richards. Always brings a smile to my face.

8. Eleven Just take a moment to appreciate the talent of my friend @ibrahimmaalouf1 - he has such a distinctive intonation and style. Love his music. Also LOVE a Bossanova groove. Has to be the sexiest beat !!!!! Oh hellew !!!

Sorry but not sorry - I’m so proud of this record - feels like I’ve been waiting for years to make a record like this - big shout and thanks to my long standing partner @ryancarline who produced the record with me - his dedication is a lesson to us all.

9. Before We Get Too Old This is it guys - no rehearsal - live every day - take every chance - seize every opportunity - and if Love comes your way - “let’s fall in Love before we get too old”

Name check and massive thanks to my friend @AvishaiCohen what a player - what a feel - and what a gentleman - come and do this love with us please - talent all over this record

10. Supernatural Supernatural - the way I feel every time I go on stage - In front of our incredible faithful audience - can’t wait to be back up there - the time will go quick - all the comic style lyrics in this songs come from comics I used to read as a kid - pow wow

11. Oh What A Day Oh what a day - seeing the World through the eyes of a child - I remember both our girls being amazed by clouds or the moon while I was shouting into a phone or stressing over situations - kids have a wonderful way of simplifying everything.  

Oh what a day - featuring the wonderful, sublime and super talented @chillygonzales what a guy - check him out or catch a future show - he’s the best - amazing musician and wonderful story teller - love him.

12. What Leaving’s All About What leavings all about - with my wonderful friend @AleshaOfficial will make any excuse to work with her - she’s the best - and I love hearing her sing again - we need a new album - we had fun making this - Alesha is one of my guests on Sunday night @itv 9pm 

13. The Kind Of Friend I Need The kind of friend you need is @JKCorden my Dad used to watch Morcombe and Wise and I always wanted to write a Buddy song. Two guys insulting each other. But all said from a place of Love and respect.

14. I Didn’t See That Coming And to close the record we say goodbye to all players and guests and go back to the piano. A little update on where I’m up to in life. The ups and downs. The celebrations and challenges. And everyone of them unexpected. The way life should be. 

Ooh it’s a tough listen, that last one. I tell you what, we got through - lovely. It’s funny doing these things in rooms with no one in front of me. But, I felt you all tonight. I felt you all there. Thank you for listening. Yeah, I appreciate it. We’re out there now, enjoy it. And let’s look forward to singing all these songs live. Good bless you everyone, speak to you soon.  (x)

Gary Barlow, promoting his X’Mas Card Bundle

Gary Barlow (December 2020)

Music Played By Humans - BTS

Gary Barlow + Hands (x)