Will Young releases new single ‘Daniel’ from upcoming female pop covers album
The chart-topping singer is set to take on tracks by Robyn, Solange, Sky Ferreira and more.
By Will Stroude
Words: Will Stroude
Will Young is ushering in a brand new musical era with a cover of Bat for Lashes’ ‘Daniel’.
The chart-topping singer, 42, has unveiled his take on the haunting 2009 track as the lead single from his upcoming seventh studio album Crying on the Bathroom, which will see him take on hits by female alt-pop artists.
The record, which is set for release on Friday 6 August, will feature covers of beloved music from the likes of Robyn, Sky Ferreira, Solange and MUNA.
“I’ve always enjoyed singing other people’s songs”, says two-time Brit Award winner Will. “There is a liberation to it. It’s how I feel when I approach a script. I have reverence for the piece of art and the artist who created it.”
Crying on the Bathroom Floor sees Will reunite with famed producer Richard X, who he previously worked with on 2019’s Lexicon.
Former Pop Idol champion Will says of the concept for the album: “After 18 years of recording and performing a lot of original material, I loved the idea of creating an album that celebrates some of the modern female artists I so admire in pop.
“In today’s times it’s so much easier and accepted to occupy other genders, ideas and explore new avenues.
“I wanted to understand what it might be like to sing their lyrics; a song about a boy called Daniel; crying on the bathroom floor, feeling like Elizabeth Taylor.”
Will adds: “This is not a covers album as such, well certainly not in the standard way.
“I wanted to bring songs from female artists who I admire into a new arena. I wanted to work with Richard X again and create a true pop record.”
As well as Bat For Lashes’ ‘Daniel’, Crying On the Bathroom Floor will include covers of ‘Crying On The Bathroom Floor’ by MUNA, ‘Till There’s Nothing Left’ by Cam, ‘Indestructible’ by Robyn, ‘Strong’ by London Grammar, ‘I Follow Rivers’ by Lykke Li, ‘Everything Is Embarrassing’ by Sky Ferreira, ‘Losing You’ by Solange, ‘Missing’ by Everything But The Girl and ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ by Clare Maguire.
Will has also announced a new UK tour in September to coincide with the album’s release, with dates in Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Birmingham.
Check out the video for Will Young’s ‘Daniel’ below: