Interview edit: Anette Olzon, 26 February 2014
The full interview is featured in ‘Assume The Position’
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sunday 9 March, 22:00 GMT

Anette Olzon - Shine

earMUSIC [Release date 31.03.14]

For those who don’t pick their fruit from the tree of symphonic rock, the first question will likely be ‘who?’, aficionados will be well aware that Ms Olzon is the revered ex-vocalist of Finnish symphonic rockers Nightwish. Now, before those who think the genre somewhat overblown and becoming increasingly moribund switch off, read on – because Shine is, in fact, a rather delightful surprise.

Because while Anette’s symphonic roots are never too far below the surface, she’s taken the genre, captured its essence and then turned it completely on its head delivering what she describes as a ‘pop rock’ or ‘pop metal’ album.

Pop rock is probably the more apt description because although there’s metal undertones it’s a velvet gloved delivery – the power coming from the subtle use of keyboards, strings and percussion rather than guitars turned up to 11. And the title track is the perfect example – as weighty and hard hitting as John Grant, but with one of the tastiest hooks you’ll hear this year.

And that’s not by chance when you look at the collaborators who’ve contributed to Shine – some of the most successful rock and pop teams in Scandinavia – Anders Bagge, jury member of Sweden’s Idols (and producer of luminaries like Madonna, Céline Dion and Jennifer Lopez) and his songwriter team of Stefan Örn (songwriter and producer of the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest winning track Running Scared) and Johan Glössner.

That’s not to say the album isn’t Olzon’s own work, but she’s been astute enough to bring on board those with the skills to polish her ideas into a set of shimmering gems.

The result is one of the best pop/rock albums you’ll hear this year – one that that has the playfulness of early Kate Bush, the pop sensibilities of Music-era Madonna, and even a vague whiff of Magenta. And, of course, subtle symphonic undertones.

But the centre piece is the Swede’s gossamer-like vocals floated on some sparkling arrangements on a set that Nightwish fans may see as some sort of ‘sell out’. But in truth it’s a triumph and an album that, with a little exposure, could easily see Anette Olzon usurp her former colleagues’ pop-ularity.

It’s nice to hear someone take a chance with something just a little bit different. And to pull it off with such aplomb. A sure contender for album of the year. *****

Review by Pete Whalley

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 16 November 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This 600th show was first broadcast on 18 November 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 1 December 2025

We feature all the artists selected in this sequence in 2025.

Featured Albums w/c 1 December 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.