Westlife attempt to recapture the sounds of yesteryear with their latest title Allow Us To Be Frank. The new line-up in the quartet, (formerly a quintet with solo singer Brian McFadden), gets into character, as they flash tuxedos that suitably represent the era and style of the Rat Pack.
While the boys make a valiant effort at trying to popularise the Swing era for modern times, judgements and criticism may be levelled by the old school, who may find numerous flaws in this performance if compared to the original sounds of Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr.
Classic Rat Pack titles Fly Me To The Moon and Come Fly With Me by Sinatra are covered by Westlife.
The likable Irish lads attempt to revive the style, mannerisms, music sound and vocal quality of the original Rat Pack, but often find themselves out of their depth.
The vocal quartet can be commended for the effort and risk in going on a new and untried path, and introducing Swing music to a new youthful generation.
The boys do well on a few songs, but could have been more cautious in executing the spirit and texture of the original Big Band sounds.