Michael Ball vs. Anthnony Warlow

Out of these two singers which do you think is the best? For those who are not good at names here is what they are known for.

Michael Ball (marius in Les Miserables)
Anthony Warlow (Jekyll and Hyde in JEKYLL AND HYDE COMPLETE SCORE).

My personal favorite is Anthony Warlow. While I think Michael Ball is a great singer, Anthony Warlow is a GOD. He is classified as a baritone but can hit unbelievably high. He also puts so much passion into his singing and his voice is so clear. If I wasn't straight, I would so stalk him.

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I believe that Anthony was in the Complete Symphonic Recording for Les Miz as well. He played Enjolras (I could be wrong though)

hmmmmm...thats a tougie. But I'd have to say Micheal although I haven;t heard the full version of J&H. Must go out and buy it first.

Michael and Anthony have sung identical songs in some of their albums - so it is a little easier to make a comparison. Michael happens to be my favourite singer. While Anthony is classically trained, Michael has a natural gift in his golden voice. Michael's repertoire is also wider as he has sang a number of songs in different musical genres. I also think that Michael is one of the best "acting" singers in musical theatre - his interpretation is lyrics-driven and he uses his voice to heighten the emotions in a song. I have seen him perform onstage in concerts as well and he is electric - with his powerhouse voice and lively stage presence. I think Anthony, another of my favourite musical theatre singers, and whom I have seen only in The Main Event concert on DVD does not exude the same appeal on the concert stage. I have not seen him perform in musical theatre though, while I have seen Michael in ASPECTS OF LOVE, PASSION, and CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG.

Both are extremely talented and a joy to listen to.

Updated On: 6/27/04 at 07:24 PM

Have you listened to ASPECTS OF LOVE, JohnPopa?

That is my favourite album of Michael, whether solo or cast recording.

JohnPopa, I agree that their cd's are not as "full of life" as they should be, but the thrill is to hear them live. OMG. Anthony Warlow in "The Main Event" is nothing close to BRILLIANT. and Michael Ball is SPECTACULAR in his live concert show. I think Both men need to be in an actual show together (and not just a recording) and show the world what real talent is.

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Yes, I am aware that Anthony is classically trained as an opera singer ( I have a DVD copy of Fleidermaus, the English version where he sings the lead role with the Australian Opera ) and I have all his albums ( two of FACE THE MUSIC, by accident )... Michael has dabbled in light opera when he sang some songs from MAGIC FLUTE with Lesley Garrett, but has also sung some jazz-y numbers and some really lively songs ( particularly in the " party time" part in his concerts). And if you have seen his ALONE TOGETHER show at the Donmar or its DVD -that really tells you how wide his command of musical genres can be.

But I think there is really no debate on the talents of these two extremely gifted singers. Let us enjoy both!

Updated On: 6/27/04 at 08:06 PM

I agree Jo. Let's enjoy them both. If ever given the chance

Updated On: 6/28/04 at 09:03 PM

yeah, he had throat cancer, but beat it. Now he is better than ever. His voice has actually gotten higher since the cancer and in my opinion, better. WARLOW FOREVER!!!

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Michael Ball...

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Lori, Faith2 and Jo, you all know my answer...Michael. The fact that his voice is not trained and sounds so angelic has won me over. Anthony sings well and is not to be denied credit on anything he does but, Michael will always be my favorite!

I think he just gave a couple of concerts down under. But I don't remember with whom. It might have been with Lesley Garrett Another fine voice. I think his were right before Michael Ball's. I am sure I will be corrected if I am wrong

I haven't heard Anthony WArlow, so I can't really make any comparison. But I do enjoy Michael's voice.

Anthony didn't have throat cancer, he had non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (a virulent form of cancer/leukaemia) which he has (so far, fingers crossed) successfully beaten.

My personal favourite is Anthony Warlow. I love his interpretation of J&H on the complete studio recording, he *is* that CD! He puts so much feeling, emotion, depth into those characters. It's worth coping with some totally naff lyrics to listen to Anthony.

Oh and him and Philip Quast singing 'Lilys Eyes' is terrific

For me, personally, Michael is a better singer than actor. 'Passion' sounds better on CD than it was on stage for me, he can act with his voice. Michael couldn't get rid of his 'michaelisms' - mannerisms he has on stage in his solo concerts. Also he didn't seem completely comfortable in his role in CCBB, especially interactng with the kids.

But, hey, lets enjoy them both on their own merits

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