Top 10 Songs by John Barrowman

To most people John Barrowman might be Captain Jack Harkness in Torchwood and Doctor Who, but before the role of Captain Jack Harkness changed his life, John had a very respectable career as a leading man in the West End.

Over the years he's released 5 solo albums and has been a part of numerous cast recordings. He may not be known as an all around entertainer in the US, but once you've heard him sing, you can't deny that he has talent. His first major label album Another Side, was released in 2007 and went gold in the UK. In 2008 he had a follow up called Music, Music, Music, which he will be touring in May-June 2009 to promote.

My top 10 John Barrowman songs are as follows:

10. Sunset Boulevard: This song is featured on the Aspects of Lloyd Webber, and Reflections from Broadway CD's. This song is a really hard song to pull off and he pulls it off with ease. Another version of the song is from the TV show Sound of Musicals which aired on the BBC in 2006. Hearing this live you can hear how intricate the song really is.

9. What About Us: This was the first single off of Music, Music, Music penned by Gary Barlow. This was the first original song for John to sing. All of his other songs are covers of songs that meant something to John or are songs from the musical theatre world. What About Us, is a poppy song that you can have in your head for the rest of the day. The music video for this song also featured a storyline featuring gay men in a relationship as well as a straight couple. This highlights the fact that all couples no matter their make up can have the same issues in their relationship.

8. Anything Goes: This is on the Swings Cole Porter CD. I like this song as a solo version just because I think Cole Porter came up with catchy lyrics, and music. John makes it his own. I also like this song as it's the title number from the musical "Anything Goes" and "Anything Goes" gave John his start in the West End 20 years ago.

7. Both Sides Now: This is on the CD Music, Music, Music. I know there is a verse missing in John's version, but the orchestration of the song is fantastic, and the use of other non mainstream instruments makes this song unique.

6. Time After Time: This is on Another Side. This was one of my favorite songs growing up. I enjoyed Cyndi Lauper's version and the version that the 80's band The Hooters sang live during their shows. What attracted me to John's version is that it's a slower version of the song and mainly features the piano and strings as the musical accompaniment for the song. The way the music flows and you can completely immerse yourself in the lyrics, this version of the song makes me cry.

5. Every Little Thing She Does is Magic: This is on Another Side. I like this because it is so different from the original. Most times John sticks to the tried and true not varying too far from what the original sounds like. I enjoy the fact that this song was a step away from the norm. You can get up and dance to it. It makes you feel good.

4. I Chose Right: This is on Reflections from Broadway. I had never heard of this song before listening to John's version but there is something that is so raw about this song that I am instantly attracted to it. I still can't quite put my finger on it, but to me this is one of the best songs on Reflections from Broadway.

3. Ca C'est l'Amour: This is on Swings Cole Porter. This is just a jazzy, swingy version of the song, that I thought perfectly fit the Swings Cole Porter CD name. You can tell that John appreciates Cole Porter's music; it comes across with the emotions of all the songs on the CD.

2. I Know Him So Well, duet version: on Music, Music, Music. This is a duet with Daniel Boys another West End star who shot to fame on the BBC show "Any Dream Will Do." Originally this song is sung by two women about a man, but John and Daniel make it their own by having two men sing about another man. The emotion these men express while singing this song will always amaze me. The first time I heard the song I was speechless. This is a fantastic song to showcase John and Daniel's talents.

1. I Am What I Am: This is on Music, Music, Music. This song over the past couple years has sort of become an anthem for Mr. Barrowman. No matter if you are gay, straight, bi, or anywhere else on the sexual spectrum, this song speaks volumes. When John sings this song, it is so raw and emotional he really makes you feel like you are watching a part of La Cage aux Folles.

These are just a sampling of the songs I like from all around entertainer John Barrowman. If you want to know more about John visit his official website, www.johnbarrowman.com.