Wow!
That was my first thought when
Ray Wilson started singing. He has a fantastic voice filled with radiance and emotion. Deep with feeling and a lot of soul. Having previously sung in Genesis and Stiltskin, I can only feel happy that I've finally discovered him with this solo release.
The music on Change is very laid back with a focus on the acoustic guitar and Ray's captivating voice, and I must say it is the perfect mix. The album has a warm atmosphere that sucks the listener in and doesn't let go.
A short atmospheric intro leads into
Goodbye Baby blue. A strong opener that seems to have a life of it's own. Acoustic and electric guitar intertwine perfectly, and this song sends across a kind of floating atmosphere. As soon as Ray starts singing, it is obvious that his voice is perfect for this kind of music. This song, along with many others on the album, is extremely catchy and has a true sing along chorus.
The fantastic warm
Change is one of many album highlights. With one of the best choruses in recent memory, it is also one of the most accessible songs on the album. The acoustic guitar along with the bass gives the song an effective drive.
My absolute favourite song has to be the sweet
Along the way. Right from the start the song keeps up a great drive, the melody is excellent and the female backing vocals are perfectly used in the chorus. I find it quite impossible not to sing along with this catchy and uplifting song.
Yesterday continues the tradition of brilliant melodies, and once again the chorus takes the crown.
Beach is a slow song with a unique atmosphere, completely brought on my the melancholy of Ray's voice. He just keeps getting better through the album.
After these five pearls I feel the album takes a little dive with
Cry if you want to. It starts out beautifully, but after the second verse, it looses a little due to the repeating chorus, that isn't one of the best on the album. Still a good song with touching lyrics, but overall it is not quite up there with the rest.
Beautiful child has a special rythm and a definite Beatles feel, but the music is just a little too simple and repeats itself too much without evolving. On the other hand, it is possible to justify this when relating to the lyrics about love and airheads with good looks. Still, I miss a little something in this song.
She fades away takes the album back on the right track with a beautiful song, both musically and lyrically.
I look for you there is a short atmospheric piece that puts the listener in a relaxed state of mind before
Believe takes the album up another notch. This is another of my favourites. The lyrics about moving on from the past, hold much emotion, which is perfectly expressed through Ray's voice.
Another Day is sung with a feeling that gives me goosebumps. Another fantastic and sad song.
Another Day fades directly into the album closer
The last horizon, which is an instrumental outro that makes you feel like you're right back at the beginning of the album. This makes for a nice contrast to the album title, and also makes the album feel like it's complete. But I feel the outro goes on for a bit too long to hold up the interest after a few listens.
I find many of these songs sticking in my mind, refusing to leave me alone. When I listen to them I can't help but sing along, and overall Change is as great to relax to, as it is to dig into its very deep atmosphere and lyrical world.
This album has a soul of its own, much like another non metal album I discovered last year, Damian Wilson's Disciple. Highly recommended to just about everyone, but if you're a total Metalhead with a craving for double-bass drumming, then a listen before buying is probably is advised.
Favourite songs: Along the way, Change, Another day and Believe
Written by
Steen Thursday, May 29, 2003
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