Ronan Tynan - Ronan (2005)

With his first solo release since leaving The Irish Tenors, Ronan takes the opportunity to perform songs that allow him to stretch both his vocal chords and his repertoire. Supported by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Ronan performs a collection that mixes religious anthems like How Great Thou Art, with more popular inspirational songs like From A Distance. Once again he draws on the Broadway musical, Man of la Mancha, for the title track of the show from which he earlier recorded the better known Impossible Dream.

Among the standout tracks are two songs associated with Ireland. On Phil Coulter's tribute to his father, The Old Man, he combines a heartfelt rendition of the lyrics with a beautiful orchestral background. Amazing Grace, which he sang at President Ronald Reagan's funeral, is beautifully performed and includes a bagpipe to help set the mood. Another song, performed at the funeral by Armed Forces Choir, Mansions of the Lord, is given an emotion laden performance by Ronan. The album's final track, Passing Through, was written by Ronan and Margaret Byrne. It is a tribute to his mother who suffers from Alzheimer's disease and reflects the sadness felt by Ronan at his mother's situation living in the house once filled with laughter. This is a beautifully produced album and shows Ronan's voice in all its magnificence.