"what's in your heart?" (Tom Mcrae - Tom McRae)

Member Name: Midrange

Product:	Tom Mcrae - Tom McRae
Date:	03/04/09 (20 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An album of excellent songs, both musically and lyrically. Powerfully delivered

Disadvantages: Lyrics can be "dark" at times - perhaps not the cheeriest album!

It is very rare to stumble upon an Artist with whom you can make an instant connection. I am not referring to McRae's lyrics, or even his unique vocal style. There is just something remarkably "classic" sounding about this album. In my opinion, this tortured singer/songwriter has not yet surpassed this, his debut album.

As Tom McRae is not particularly well known, it might be helpful for me to start by drawing comparisons. The first time I heard him was on a compilation CD alongside Damien Rice. The two musicians certainly share "tormented" lyrics and a beautifully sparse approach to musical arrangements (in other words, let the guitar and the voice do all the talking). Both Rice and McRae have distinctive vocal styles - McRae sounds a little more boyish to me than Rice, and he's got a certain croakiness to his fine alto voice. McRae is also a little more adventurous with arrangements. Having just said that it's the guitar that does the talking, McRae does lead from behind the piano at times. "Untitled" contains one of the finest piano parts I have ever heard - I assure you I'm not exaggerating here. When I first heard "Untitled" I was convinced the piano had been lifted from a classical piano work. Fantastic stuff.

But enough with the Rice comparison. Let's focus on what makes this album so good. Well, I have a soft spot for McRae's voice - it's well controlled and filled with an almost "broken" weight of emotion. Lyrically, his songs can best be described as "haunting". Fine exmples include the opening track, with the echoing line "But I will find you still, move in for the kill... you cut her hair... you cut her hair." There are also moments of understated beauty, notably "Draw Down the Stars" is short, but very, very sweet. Other highlights, from a lyrical perspective, include the inticing "A and B Song" (which I still can't really interpret!). Musically, the album is excellent - melodically heart-wrenching, the guitar work is strong and with some real soaring moments (see "One More Mile" for more details!)

I would instantly recommend this to any fan of the singer/songwriter. I don't see any sense in fighting over "who is the most genuine of the bunch" - as many singer/songwriters have emerged in recent years. Let McRae's music speak for itself.

Summary: Strong guitar or piano led singer/songwriter writes from and for the soul