Irish pop group Westlife takes on one of Garth Brooks’ number-one hits, “The Dance,” off his 1990 self-titled debut album. And this track, back-to-back with “Friends in Low Places,” gave him a leg up and earned him phenomenal success. And to some fans, this track wasn’t just a chart-topper but also the country singer’s signature song. And so, covering this song would be quite a feat.
The ‘90s Phenomenon
Westlife, composed of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, and Shane Filan, is undeniably one of Europe’s most successful bands, with six platinum-selling records, 55 million albums sold worldwide, 11 number-one albums, and 16 number-one singles under their belt.
Aside from releasing 148 original songs throughout their career, they have also covered numerous songs – 68 in total. In 2006, they released their album The Love, featuring covers of the most popular classics. They dropped a solo single before the album’s release, their cover of Bette Midler’s “The Rose.” The song topped the charts in Ireland and the UK and was performed at Miss World 2006. Another big hit from the album, which was added in the deluxe edition, was “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” by George Benson. One of the most underrated ones is Garth Brooks’s “The Dance.”
“The Dance” Band Version
“The Dance,” written by Tony Arata and produced by Allen Reynolds, is a love song and a glorious ballad. Garth Brooks’ performance of the song was simple yet powerful and emotional, highlighting his vocal prowess. That delivery brought an overwhelming feeling to his listeners, and Westlife aimed to bring that same soul into their rendition.
For You
And they did just that in their live performance of the song at the Wembley Stadium in London.
Filan opened the song, and he hit that first note with so much ease. He then continued to take it down to the first chorus. Feehily then took over the next, and in the chorus, the rest of the band joined him in harmony. And for the last part, Filan once again took the lead.
Their voices harmonized like the perfect blend of coffee and cream, especially with Egan and Byrne’s sweet melodies.
Catch Westlife bringing beautiful justice to “The Dance” in the video below.
