Trouble sleeping? Forget Mogadon. All you need is a copy of Russell Watson's bland new offering, and you'll be guaranteed a deep and dreamless sleep.

Watson styles himself as the English Andrea Bocelli. But don't worry, Andrea, he's just kidding himself.

This album exposes him as an unremarkable singer, largely devoid of charisma or vocal prowess. A shame, really, as the Royal Philharmonic musicians gamely backing him up deserve a medal for their efforts.

Crowd-pleasing soundtrack numbers Il Gladiatore and, from Rob Roy to You'll Still Be There For Me, sound absolutely fine until Watson's dirge-like voice gatecrashes the musical party.

Katherine Jenkins could teach him a thing or two. Where Watson as if he were singing through a tea towel, the 24-year-old Jenkins's voice is clear as a bell.

Although she too pays tribute to Signor Bocelli (Time To Say Goodbye and Caruso), her rich and resonant voice shines. Classic arias O Sole Mio and Va Pensiero are admirably sung, while her finest performance comes on the stirring Welsh song Calon Lan.

She can certainly be forgiven for her Miss World-esque cover pose.

Updated: 10:57 Thursday, December 02, 2004