Roy Orbison with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Unchained Melodies (CD)

That haunting voice, that unique look, those uplifting and emotional songs—there is only one Roy Orbison, and fans once again get to hear him in a new way on Unchained Melodies: Roy Orbison with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

This album infuses Orbison’s original vocal performances (both greatest hits and deep cuts selected with fan input) with the emotion and world-class musicianship of London’s most beloved orchestra, as heard on the international hit albums If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and The Wonder of You: Elvis Presley with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Working at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios, returning producers Nick Patrick and Don Reedman add elegant and spirited arrangements to accompany some of the most beloved gems from Orbison’s career – not only singles like “Blue Bayou,” “The Crowd” and “Crawling Back,” but fan favorites like “Heartbreak Radio” plus “California Blue,” “Danny Boy” and “Walk On,” three tracks that were included after Roy’s estate reached out to fans for their feedback.

Additionally, the album will feature instrumental backing from “Roy’s boys”: his three sons Wesley, Roy Jr. (on guitars) and Alex (playing drums). The album also features backing vocals on eight tracks from the “Orbison girls”: Emily Orbison (Wesley’s daughter), Jen Hicks (Wesley’s fiancé), Åsa Orbison (Roy Jr.’s wife) and Erika Wolf Orbison (Alex’s wife – their forthcoming daughter kicks along to the beat as well). Tracks like “Unchained Melody” and “Heartbreak Radio” feature as many as eight Orbisons, counting Roy himself.

Label: Sony Music