Losing My Mind - Michael Ball

[EnigmaComics]

oh michael ball you beautiful talented man

[4766chris]

wish he would come to the States such a good singer they don't make his kind any more

[thamestango]

Michael has a great voice, but to really see this song performed watch Marin Mazzie at the Sondheim 80th birthday celebrations. She is so still but the emotion is wrenching. In fact the sequence of the six ladies in red doing solos is a master class in how to perform a song. Watch it people !!!!!!!!!

[mrspip5]

This song tells evey aspect of what I feel for the guy that I madly fell in love\ over 35 years ago .Circumstances has led us to different directions.... but the feelings will always be there between us.... and no one, nor nothing will change that. He is the love of my life and my forever lover.

[Babeswing]

Beautiful song. Fake interpretation!

[ELMOisaROCKSTAR]

love this song, love this version <3

[comactortony]

SHEEEET THAT WAS NUTHIN! Where was the BIG Michael Crawford Barbra-sized ending? You wanna see a REAL drama Queen tear it up, check out TIM CURRY's version

[florastone4]

He does it beautifully, but its the MOST obsessive song lyric I've ever heard.

[TownshendDaltry]

What a great rendition! I knew there had to be at least one truly great male performance of this song. Hey, does anyone know what DVD this is from. I'd love to add it to my Sondheim collection.

[superduffman22]

i feel like saying "i love you so" is so much more powerful then want bc want is basically on a desire level i feel nd love is more intament

[boynamedalexxx]

@superduffman22 This song is all about "wanting"; desire, passion, and, ultimately, obsession. It's an infatuation that isn't returned. It goes beyond love. It's not about being intimate or sentimental (which is what love implies...this is pain and anguish. That's why the only time the word is used is when referencing "you *said* you loved me". The end of the song carries realization that there is no real love here...just unrequited desire. It's called "Losing My Mind" for a reason.

[MrSwifts31]

alex,

I don't think it was an intentional change of lyric.

As this is (in effect) a live performance,Ithink Michael made an error and changed the lyrics in his head?

I have heard great Sondheim singers(live) who have done this,after all we are all human.

[boynamedalexxx]

@MrSwifts31 I wondered that, too. It really, really changed the entire number for me, though. "Want" is so much more effective.

Other than that, I found his performance self-indulgent & surface-level. All of the gestures and presentational expressions took me out of the song. This is, possibly, my favorite Sondheim number. Its genius is that you can literally stand in one spot & not move at all & deliver this gut-wrenching song with honesty & anguish, & it's better than "staging" it would be.

[syrdojo]

@boynamedalexxx I'm with you. Eew. I agree with thamestango about Marin Mazzie's simple, emotional rendition. Especially with Sondheim, just shut up and sing.

[boynamedalexxx]

I really don't care for this performance...but I won't go into details other than that.

The thing I really want to criticize is the lyric change: "I *love* you so, it's like I'm losing my mind..."

Who decided that? In my opinion, it really takes away some of this incredible song's power. "I want you so" is so much more searing.

[comactortony]

@boynamedalexxx searing? that would be too intuitive for a BIG HAMMY QUEEN like Micheal Ball. Not that he doesn't have one of the greatest theatre voices EVER..but, why does it always gotta be so damn much? This is like Micheal Crawfords version of GETHSEMANE & his BIG BELLOWING BARBRA-SIZED ending. In Jesus Christ Superstar the character is kneeling in prayer, weeping at his fate...not doing DONT RAIN ON MY PARADE!! There will always B sappy queens in THE THEATRE now we have CLAY AKINS

[Coal125]

@comactortony "Queen" was necessary, huh?

[cosmicordering1]

As artist and song mesh, the heart and mind become one. A song gifted from the Cosmic for Michael ... but did he know it? You decide. Be Cosmic ....

[mosashi200]

Thumbs up kung akala nyo eto yung sa my girlfriend is a gumiho

[tenorboston]

this is a great listen

!

[ScenemoSweetie]

Michael Ball's is my favourite cover of this, Tim Curry's coming in at second. I love Michael ball and this is one of my favourite Sondheim songs. :')

[spvz29]

For me, Shirley Bassey had the definitive version of this, but Michael Ball is quite close.

[musikmadchen3]

Anthony Warlow's version will always be my favourite, but Michael's comes pretty darn close. I adore how he always puts his all into everything he performs.

[furzilla]

all time favorite performance of this song. such emotion .Bravo!!!

[Katibeauty]

คนไม่ชอบนี่เปนคนยังไงอ่ะ?

[eddiecat]

Oh Michael this song suits your beautiful voice perfectly! Bravo!

[tonibell29]

Really, is there anything more perfect than Michael Ball? Think not

[Jarrod005]

I wish he was as attractive as he sounds... Lol.

[SiegfriedPretsch]

Good performance, the mix sux, too much voice and too little band, the madness gets lost, it is too pretty.

[rhfromvenice]

Positively exquisite! Michael Ball's rendition is heart-wrenching --- how beautiful! I could listen to this over and over and over - and I do :-)

[johnny062448]

michael ball issimply fantastic!

[zilzila007]

wow really great song. i'd like to sing 'Losing my mind' in karaoke :)

[teddybears1232001]

Where is this being performed at? Because I swear that is Bernadette Peters in the back....

[LFD254]

@teddybears1232001 Yes, that is Bernadette Peters. This is a clip from a "Broadway-like" review, I think from the BBC. Like acommand perfromance for the royal family or somethingliek that. Its origin used to be posted somewhere in the comments

[JeddtheJedi]

I love Hey Mr Producer, and when I watched the video it was the first time I had heard the song, not being very familar with Sondheim earlier. I was completely blown away by Michael Ball's rendition and immediately went to look for other versions of the song. I like his best.

[mylesag2]

Great rendition. Vibrato is fine. It works very well for this song. Plus, he's eye-candy!!

[drewseph30]

He rocks!..this is what this song is about to me.

[couturesixfour]

horrible vibrato!!! HORRIBLE!!! has no one ever told him that? nice warm voice, believable performance, but that DAMN vibrato!!! it's like he has absolutely no control over it!!!

[Meglig]

@couturesixfour @jstrick326 Michael Ball sang this song for this performance as instructed to sing it by Stephen Sondhiem himself and he should know how he wants his own song singing.

[couturesixfour]

@Meglig Sir, you said that to say what?

[Meglig]

sorry post was in reply to jstrick326 really. I was just saying Michael had recorded the song on an album some years ago but Sondheim thought it was a little to jazzy for this concert and he and Michael spent an hour or so coming up with this version. This clip is over 10 years old now ~ where did that time go? lol!!

inmo MB's use of vibrato has changed over the years. I heard him singing live last year and it seems to more controled these days.

[aikigirl61]

@couturesixfour When you've played starring roles in West End and Broadway theaters for decades, your packed houses easily justify the vibrato.

[catannelittle]

i think micheal ball sings the most beautiful musical sounding version of this song. but listen to the tim curry version, he sings the song like he is feeling every tiny particle of the emotion in the song. I love both versions and it depends on how i am feeling which one i listen to

[pushup8daisies]

Oh Marius.. *swoon*

[drseverin]

this is the best adaption of this song. I have heard so many renditions of this song and I couldnt understand the song until Michael Balls rendition. The song finally makes sense and it is beautifully done.

[ianhands1001]

mr.perfection.

no other word

michael ball rules the stage

[jstrick362]

I love Mr. Ball, and have actively followed his career for 20 yrs. His voice is superb, and he always carries himself well onstage. However, with all due respect to him, he tried to SING Sondheim here, and it's a credit to his talent that it wasn't a bad performance. I've seen this show several times, and every other version was superior to this one, even on the regional theatre level. The notes are written to follow the range and emotion of the speaking voice, and contribute to the moment.

[MzCharmedFan0214]

i love michael ball :)

but i can't help but watch bernadette in this video! XD

lol

[CKW71]

Gotta love it!

[mackirkley]

I love this song, and Michael Ball's rendition is BY FAR The most perfected- both emotionally and musically. In short, he killed it.

[LadyClifftastic]

He sings it so beautifully. His version is the best one ever.

[GameShowGuy]

New song for me -- nice.

[MyrtleP]

I like Michael Ball, but I always wish he'd give us more singing and less empty space in his vibrato. This is a great presentation of this song.

[wormyeyes]

Hear julie athertons version of this song on her new album - NO SPACE FOR AIR -  available on 06.06.10

Only a few spaces left for her launch concert at the Delfont Room, Prince of Wales Theatre - 7pm - 6th June 2010.

[angelialvares]

Brilliant, he gave me the goosebumps. Great rendition of feelings and emotions...

[JoelPopcountertenor]

he is more at home doing broadway, like Empty chairs and Empty Tables. No one can make that song memorable more than him. Especially since other songs in the show is better. But he made magic with it. However, I wish his later choices of crossing over was done better. He had performances that didn't fit him. But this performance shows how great he could have been.

[ianhands1001]

fantastic performance this is from

hey mr.producer

great vocal as always

[LuckyJrEskie]

God, I love Michael Ball! His voice is enthralling ...

[easilyamused1111]

Strange you should say that. I recall that Michael Ball said that Stephen Sondheim had heard his recorded version of the song, but thought he should be sing it differently. So Mr. Sondheim worked with Michael, giving him a kind of "master class" during the rehearsals so he perform it the way Sondheim thought it should be performed. So I guess you disagree with Mr. Sondheim's interpretation of his own song.

[authorworld]

Buyback is talking about "bravado" meaning that there is too much showiness he is singing too bold in the last chorus it should be sung more subdued because the lyrics requires it. Michsturg you really are a dumb shit.

[Meglig]

Michael sang this song, that night exactly how Stephen Sondhiem asked him to do it. I remember him saying at the time that he'd had recorded the song but it had a jazzy feel to it which Sondhiem didn't want on this occassion.

[authorworld]

I wasn't commenting on how Micharl Ball was singing the song but interpreting Buyback's use of the word "Bravado" and what he was trying to communicate to Michsturg.

[Koffiegek1]

Fake! Such a misunderstanding!

[Meglig]

No problem authorworld, I just thought the reasoning behind it being song this way was worth mentioning that's all.

[thesnuffyupagus]

Love him <3

[dbrel]

Really nice voice... wow..

[singsongfly]

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ oh, Marius. hehe.

[ianhands1001]

@singsongfly this is from follies wrong musical muppet

[singsongfly]

yeah? that's cool.

[jeffbowers]

@ian, michael is known for playing marius...

[grahamgregson]

Nice voice :)

[cherrylipsgirl]

I'm in love with this song.

[RoxxyBabygirl2006]

WONDERFUL VOICE!

[kilianyo]

Dios!!!!!!!!!!! como me gusta esta canción.

[broadwaylove52]

I love Michael Ball!

[carriewhite410]

I haven't heard the original, but I love his version of this. It's absolutely gorgeous.

[buybackwhatyoustole]

He's a great singer, but his interpretation of this song is just wonky. So much bravado in the last chorus in a song about insecurity over one's own emotions? The flashy power notes just don't fit a song like this.

[michsturg]

it's called vibrato, you dumb shit

[buybackwhatyoustole]

Vibrato and bravado are different things, YOU dumb shit.

[horavali]

Actually, the video is from "Hey, Mr. Producer", a wonderful show produced in 1998... if I'm not mistaken.

[magicalmahem]

what is this from?

[CDR4761]

Stephen Sondheim's "Follies" a Broadway show.

[clark1017]

He is such a talent. America really still doesn't know him which is a shame.

[CDR4761]

I just found him yesterday. Yes, I feel like I really have missed a very special voice.

[iusemyM16A3]

you're right i haven't heard of him

[potoluvr09]

I really like this video, but i don't think he really conveys the fact that he's losing his mind. Like, literally losing his mind and sanity. I think he makes this sound like another sad song that he sings with a fantastic voice, and he's just really sad and depressed that his girl's gone. I think he's really talented, but I just don't get everything that I want from it. (Tim Curry's version for me is the best out there.)

[Mahvelous14]

When will America discover this wonderful talent? I've seen him several times on the West End, as have many visiting Americans.

[vishalt]

Mahvelous14: Umm, why does America have to discover this wonderful talent? What does it matter? Let the people who enjoy him, enjoy him, whether they be British or Australia.

Nobody needs America to discover anything.

[xxpiggystardustxx]

micheals parents are from my home town ,,another great welsh singer

[rosieree1592]

i really like this

[drseverin]

This is the best version of this song. I have heard this song sung so many ways. Michael Ball is great.

[jbb147]

Its good,but the definitive version is that of Barbara Cook's

[trofoot]

Do you wish "losing your mind " again for love ? Yes you !

[dreacourtney08]

This performance was perfect, and I am a new fan of Michael Ball. He was brillant and gave this particular piece of music long life.

[jdfanscot]

Michael sure puts his heart into this...two this to notice.. 1. the look in the yes on 2:25 and 2. a stage full of his peers are just standing back total caught up in the moment

[Chriswren9]

What a great version!

[Politeama]

Quite great!  Isn't he wonderful!

[BBphantom]

I think this has to be Michael ball at his best. Perfect Vocal and acting is amazing! Top marks Mr Ball!

[Lupone01]

I love you very much! I think you are great. But this time I don't believe you! Please stay genuine!

[carriewhite410]

I LOVE YOU TOO, MICHAEL!!! ^_^

I see Bernadette in the background

[Babeswing]

As I said this is ok. But look up Jon van Eerd. He is a great star in Holland. And his interpretation of this song is SO wonderful!

[sam1567]

incidentally I completely forgot to mention that I love this song and this singer. Thanks for posting frankieto :)

oh and Bernard if you are french I take back my comments regarding your queen-based insult. It is your moral duty to detest all things British. It's only right :) :p

[madchives]

oh my, can you guys/girls give up the spelling crap? then again did win a thingy for the word because, so ,,,, go ahead. thanks for posting this. trying to keep my mind! wonder where it is ... oh shoot now his/herstory kind of stuff. oh no, etc.

[rachelminnaar]

No comparison. Fuck you Tim Curry.

[davespy81]

Love him, I saw him is Hairspray in July and he was AMAZING!!!

This is my favorite Sondheim Song. <3

[webcat93]

clap clap clap!!!

[bohemiawelcumsyou]

I love Michael Ball, but to me him and this song just don't connect. He's a great singer and actor, but I much prefer to hear this song done by a vulnerable female verses an attractive male crooner.

[lola1125]

The previous poster that is not the performance it's self.

[FrizbeeSF]

there is a very interesting unconfirmed backstory to this particular performance. There had been rumors about Michael Ball's close personal relationship with a member of the Royal Family. (Not Diana so dont even go there...) And the rumors had prompted the Queen to intervene. It is worth nothing that all the time he sings this he stares right at the royal box, where the Queen was sitting.

[BernardProfitendieu]

you're wrong: that's not an interesting backstory - in fact, that and any other backstory involving the Queen or her pathetic excuse for a family is quite uninteresting to 99% of the people of the world

[DirtyRottenScoundrel]

Actually, there are quite a few people who still respect and are interested in the royal family.

[BernardProfitendieu]

yes, but you'll see I already allowed for the 1% of the people who might qualify has being mentally deficient

[DirtyRottenScoundrel]

Hmmm...you just posted THAT "sentence," and you're calling ME mentally deficient? Wow. Perhaps you should finish 5th grade grammar before judging people for respecting the Royal family.

[BernardProfitendieu]

life ain't a grammar contest, sister!

end of discussion.

[DirtyRottenScoundrel]

You're right. I guess those of us with mental deficiencies just like to be somewhat articulate for some obscure reason. Probably to seperate ourselves from people like you who are obviously so intellectually superior.

It's a strange concept, I know.

[BernardProfitendieu]

is spelling also a strange concept for you?

'seperate' isn't a word in English, although 'separate' is

before criticizing others who are using a language that isn't their native tongue, you should brush up on your own language skills

btw, the only thing more pathetic than a Brit worshipping the Royal Family is an American who does -- why don't you brush up on your history, too? -- you fought a revolution so you wouldn't have to kiss the Queen's ass, but YOU do it voluntarily - strange!

[DirtyRottenScoundrel]

Oh dear, you've really god me there, buddy. I sure do feel just awful. *Rolls eyes*

Hmmm...I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have been kissing the Queens ass in the 18th century, seeing as King George III was ruling at that time.

And there's a difference between worshipping the Royal family and respecting them. I think it's ridiculous that you are willing to put time and energy in posting a comment that insults the Queen, but I am out of line and 'mentally deficient' for defending her.

[BernardProfitendieu]

you really are obtuse, aren't you?

King then, Queen today - get it? you don't live in the 18th century, sister.

perhaps you're just dyslexic

nah, it's got to be mental deficiency ... I'm picturing an imbecile with a keyboard and you're confirming it every time you hit "Post Comment"

you're beginning to bore me, dearie

enjoy your minimum wage life (careful! that deep fryer is hot!)

[LFD254]

Here in America, we do what we want, when we wnat, however we want. If my British born mum loves the Royal Family, thats fine by her American born son. If your French frog-ass does not like it, you are more than welcome to come over to my chalet for a knuckle sammich !

[BernardProfitendieu]

in America? do you mean in the United States? learn the difference, moron!

"we do what we want, when we wnat (sic), however we want" ... no you don't, you only think you do because you're naive

the apple doesn't fall far from the tree --you sound just as imbecilic as your misguided mother

[modaguy]

I imagine that you must be madly happy living with you.

[BernardProfitendieu]

it's an honour, gramps, it's an honour!!

[sam1567]

while you are entitled to insult my monarch, you must accept that others have a right to defend something they believe in. To have respect is never a crime and to have manners is hardly a sin either. Kindly employ both next time you are considering who's country to insult. Your argument regarding grammar was certainly worth a read and I genuinely commend you for your excellent english. I am in awe of anyone who can converse so confidently in a language that is not their first.

[nauort23]

I'm interested. Was it Edward? Please please please, say it's so, FrizbeeSF.

[FrizbeeSF]

Well it certainly wasn't Charles or Andrew :) So you do the math...!

[nauort23]

So it was Anne? Damn! I always knew she was packing some secret weapon.

[laurak23]

I adore this version. I don't know how anyone couldn't -- Michael's so great, and the emotion! Oh, I love it.

[gayzertube]

Beautiful voice. I love this song. I cherish it, and I think he did a gorgeous job with it.

[jazzmom66]

This is ok. However, check out the 'Holly Cole Trio' version (I posted it as a video here) VERY different but very sensual interpretation. I prefer Holly's over the broadway or 'disco' version (yeah, there's a disco version of this song-done by Liza Minelli).

[zakzak12345678]

he's such a nob

[JadedBass]

I think you can tear any performances to pieces, and though I've heard Micheal ball cheese this up in other recordings, I think this is an Honest performance for this song. It moved me the first time I watched it. and thats what matters. and if it didnt move you, well then dont watch it.

[Babeswing]

I lookes on the clop from Jon van Eerd and must say it is wonderful! I like Michael a lot. But Jon is more real emotion.

[oorlandos]

what are this clip from?

[tinytimton]

"Hey, Mr. Producer!"

It's a musical concert in honor of Broadway/West End producer Cameron Mackintosh.

[Aznamarais]

I am very sorry, but this is a cheap rendition of this wonderful song. I have always appreciated Michael Ball but this has nothing to do with what this song is about. He is treating it as pop song and I don't believe one word of what he is saying. He is mainly concerned with singing not with the interpretation. This is not a contest. Have a look at how Julia McKenzie really touches. Or Dutch artist Jon van Eerd!

[funkygibbon88]

Brillaint song :D

Michael ball over-emphasises everything but i LOVE him :) legend x

[msfinkp]

Wonderful interpretation and beautiful sound

[crammerjam]

Dorothy Loudon does an amazing amazing performance of this. Emotes so well, and even has a funny little follow up.

[Kismetico]

Michael Ball is a very talented guy.Saw him in Aspects Of Love in London ,January 1990.Brilliant.

A shame Australia didnt bring him over when we got to see this under-rated musical. Liza's version was great.

So too is Michael's.

[Meglig]

Michael Ball sang it the way Stephen Sondheim himself had said he wanted it sung. The two spent a whole hour working on it together. Michael does a brilliant job of I don't think you can compare it to Liza's version because here it is being sung in keeping with the musical and not from a pop point of view.

[dashashe]

I think he does a great job of this. He's a master of conveying emotion. If you see this on a bigger screen, there's a tear in his left eye at the end that he has to blink away twice...what a doll! Oh, and love those dimples!!! :)

[Allan4364]

The best version of this song was by Al Martino. It was unfortunate it did not get more radio play.

[vampriss25]

I not a big fan of Michael either but i do think he is a great performer and I enjoyed hearing him sing this

[cargo71]

Wonderful song and wonderful voice. When I saw "Hey, Mr. Producer!" on TV this song (like others)where cut. I love this song, and the entire show.

[Leoorchange]

He has a job doing this...none of you do. I can make that assumption because you seem to have no understanding of musical theatre performance. He's not great, no, but his voice is amazing and better that 99.9% of the other singers in the world. So stop name dropping, watch the video, be glad that there's art and performance in the world, and move on.

[JadedBass]

I think its really to tear any performance to pieces, I can see where it can be a bit showy, but he ultimaletly delivers the emotion of the song, which is the most important part. I personally think he does a great job here, espicially comparing it to other version of this song done by him. Hes honest and sings quite well in this performance.

[JadedBass]

I think its really easy to*

woops

[Meleny001]

Poor Michael Ball, a little too showy here, even to the point of looking cheesy--sad! He usually tends to get it. Maybe he was overwhelmed by all of the brilliant women surrounding him, and having to play to the Queen. Besides, Judi Dench is a hard act to follow any day on any stage. He probably just wanted to slink into the wings after her "Send in the Clowns"...I mean, just listen to the applause after her finish. Just astounding...not so for Mr. Ball...see, sad.

[jmdocs]

He also gets the words wrong. There's a HUGE difference between "I love you so" and "I want you so," which is correct.

[Pandadude18]

This has got to be one of the most depressing songs ever written for musical theater.

[brendabignose]

self indulgent nonsense. i saw this show - he was out of his depth with the likes of judi dench, bernadette peters, lea salonga, ruthie henshall and julia mackenzie on the stage with him.

[blackpython]

I'm usually not a huge fan of Michael Ball, but I LOVE this video!

[cherrylipsgirl]

It's one of the most beautiful voices and songs at the same time.

[insolence]

This song is so damn haunting... tearfully haunting... =-(

[jeffeastwood15]

Stephen Sondheim wrote it for one of his shows, probably Company or Follies

[gahanwilson]

Yes, it's from "Follies."

[cherrylipsgirl]

I just LOVE it :D

[Serrart]

I love this song, it's one of my favourites by Sondheim and Michael Ball's performance is great. What show was that? I've watched another amazing clip from it with Judi Dench singing Send in the clowns. Are there more clips of this evening?

[wiggypmi]

its a show called hey! mr producer. a tribute to cameron mcintosh. its a great video.

[Serrart]

Thanks a lot!

[paragod333]

Why is Michael Ball not identified?

[shawnharriri]

no need to identify dorks

[factory14]

A different spin from Liza Minnelli.Who is the original artist?

[blackpython]

It was in the musical "Follies" by Stephen Sondheim, this song was sung by the character Sally, originally played by Dorothy Collins.

[dallaskeffer]

Liza was not the first, but she was definitely the best.

[StudioBacha]

You're absolutelly right dallaskeffer!