Billy Ocean has been back in the mainstream public eye more and more over the last few years, making regular radio appearances and still performing his hits around the world.

It was also great to see the Trinidad and Tobago born star honoured in the 2020 New Years Honours list with an MBE. His personal story of migration and success is so important to support, not only music cohesion, but on a wider social scale throughout all of the UK. A sentiment of peace and cohesion and the celebration that should be seen within diversity is not lost in One World, which will no doubt see Billy Ocean add to his tally of 101 weeks spent in the UK top 40. 

One World captures a feel that emcompasses lots of different styles in the musicanship that accompanies the soulful voice of Billy Ocean. Not accidental, the theme is about appreciating the wonder of the ‘One World’ we all live in and share; and it reminds us that we really must not forget that! You’re reminded at the beginning of a dance beat, but the song develops and the sound gets fuller with guitars and synths added to maximise the mix and provide a fitting crescendo that lifts you into the catchy, powerful chorus that echos the importance of living in ‘One World’ with ‘one dream’. Some singers suffer with power and dynamics as they get older, in contrast others get stronger and Billy Ocean fits into the latter. The vocal in this song needs a singer with experience behind it to make it credible, otherwise it would sound corny, but someone of this calibre gives the song a real punch and his voice sounds more soulful than ever. As a result, this latest song is relevant to today and I can see it being used for multiple campaigns, for adverts on TV or accompanying educational videos, reinforcing to young people that they live in ‘One World’ and they should cherish that! 

  Soul    Reggae