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:: REVIEW ::
Ray Wilson replaced Phil Collins for the group Genesis, and demonstrates on this
collection of acoustic numbers why he earned the job. You’d expect a noted vocalist
doing an entire album of acoustic songs to create a kind of intimacy that electric
instruments can’t achieve, and Wilson delivers on the inherent promise. To his
credit, this CD demonstrates fine production and musicianship without losing the
ineffable biological quality that draws people to acoustic music.
Wilson’s
voice is inviting, seasoned enough to carry off the songs while conveying a raw,
“unschooled” sound. In the arena of popular music, this is a winning combination.
Though not a comment on this CD in particular, entire albums of acoustic music run
the risk of lapsing maudlin, and trying too perpetually to pronounce “meaning.” But
that is virtually the contract a listener as a consumer makes with the artist when
partaking of music in this vein. Still, Wilson give us ”Swing Your Bag,” a bluesy
tune that’s lots of fun; he also delivers “The Airport Song,” with an attempt at a
“Yankee” accent to countrify it, he says.
Best on the
album are “Always in My Heart”—a Wilson original—and “Lover’s Leap”—taken from
Supper’s Ready. Indeed, the better part of the tracks are covers, including “Born to
Run” by Springsteen and ”Forever Young” by Dylan. The nicest surprise is the backing
vocals of Amanda Lyon; if someone hasn’t already done so, some smart record mogul
should sign this woman to a solo contract.
I recommend
the album with the caveat that 18 songs of straight acoustic guitar can tire the
ear; just as 18 songs of shredding arpeggios can do the same. Nevertheless, it’s a
worthy addition to your collection.
Rating: 7 ½
out of 10.
Reviewer: Peter Orullian
Visit the artist website
Ray Wilson
:: Discography ::
Guaranteed Pure :: Swing Your
Bag - 1993
Cut :: Millionairhead - 1999
Ray Wilson :: Unplugged 2002
Changed -
2003
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