‘Total Eclipse Of The Chart’

Singing sensations Only Men Aloud have hit the top note in the classical charts today reaching Number One with their new album ‘Band of Brothers’. Today’s chart announcement also sees Welsh rock legend Bonnie Tyler receive her first ever classical Number One, following her collaboration on an arrangement of her 80’s hit anthem ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ which features on the second album from the Nation’s favourite choir. The release of Only Men Aloud’s second album ‘Band of Brothers’ comes a year on from signing their multi-million pound record deal with Universal/Decca following their victory on BBC’s Last Choir Standing last summer. Tim Rhys-Evans, Musical Director of OMA, expressed his delight at the announcement of the album’s number one spot “This news makes me extremely proud, the boys have worked really hard and they deserve this success. When I was a child I used to wonder how ABBA felt being number one, but now I know how it feels!”. Tim added, “The public’s continued support has been truly outstanding, thank you – diolch”. In their new album Only Men Aloud go back to their Welsh roots, with traditional anthems such as ‘Land of Our Fathers’ and ‘Blaenwern’. The choir also present interpretations of modern classics such as ‘Somebody to Love’, performed with Kerry Ellis who hails from the Queen musical ‘We Will Rock You’ and has performed as the lead in ‘Wicked’ in both the West End and Broadway. Demonstrating the choir’s eclectic background and tastes, from opera through to rock songs, they are all truly great tunes despite being from varied sources. Tim Rhys-Evans explained “From the beginning I wanted this album to represent our wide ranging repertoire. The arrangements have a filmic feel and Only Men Aloud are very proud of ‘Band of Brothers’.” Also proud of the album’s success is legendary Welsh rock icon Bonnie Tyler who, following a performance with the choir at their concert tour in Cardiff International Arena earlier in the year, stepped into the studio with OMA to re-record a new arrangement of her award-winning song ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’. Bonnie Tyler said “I am absolutely delighted that the album is Number One in the classical charts, this is a first for me! It just goes to show the strength of Jim Steinman’s wonderful song, which can appeal across all genres of music”.

'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' Re-Recorded: Back By Popular Demand, Bonnie Tyler and Only Men Aloud Record Brand New Version

Find more videos like this on Americymru Bonnie first performed the song live with Only Men Aloud at their request for their sell-out Cardiff Arena show in April. She was so impressed with Tim’s arrangement and the audience’s enthusiastic response that this, teamed with a huge resurgence in popularity after the song was used in the current T-mobile advert, prompted Bonnie to re-record the track. Upon the song’s first release in 1983, Bonnie became one of just a few British female artists to have a US chart no.1, the latest being Leona Lewis last year. The song also made her the first Welsh artist to reach the top of the US charts (beating both Tom Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey). Tim Rhys-Evans, MD of the choir, said ”Bonnie was such a huge part of the music scene when I was growing up so it was a surreal moment, taking my arrangement of her biggest hit to her home. Thankfully she loved it! Bonnie has been an absolute star - so excited and positive - and she’s sounding better than ever.” Bonnie Tyler added, “I'm delighted with this version of Total Eclipse and it is wonderful to be working with such a great choir as Only Men Aloud. I am so happy that the legendary Jim Steinman, who wrote this beautiful song, has told me how much he adores this recording of it”. Bonnie first had a hit with the song in 1983 when it went to No.1 in the UK, USA, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The song sold more than 6 million copies and has since gone down in rock legend, becoming one of the most popular karaoke tracks of all time. The popularity and strength of the song has led to it being covered several times, including versions by Westlife and Tori Amos as well as being an American Idol favourite. But these versions have never reached the same level of popularity as Bonnie’s version with her inimitable, powerful vocals. The latest Only Men Aloud version of 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' will be released as a single on October 12th. It will also be available on Only Men Aloud's second album, entitled 'Band of Brothers', to be released on the same day. Bonnie-mania has reached such a height that she will appear on Hollyoaks on Oct 2nd. TopShop have also launched its own line of Bonnie Tyler t-shirts, proving that this timeless song is still speaking to new generations. For more information visit www.onlymenaloud.com