John Smith - Great Lakes
Artist: John Smith
Album: Great Lakes
OUT NOW
Rating: 5/5
John Smith is perhaps one of the most underrated British singer-songwriters and he is back with a terrific third album Great Lakes.
This is one of the most stripped back records of 2013 so far as it is an album that very much put Smith’s vocal and song-writing ability centre stage.
It is hard to believe that this is an album that almost didn’t happen as Smith suffered for a crippling bout of writer’s block - that lasted almost two years.
But I am happy to say that with the help of Dennis Ellsworth and John Henry and together they have put together this superb album.
There Is A Stone is the opening track on the album and it very much sets out what you are going to get throughout the rest of the record.
Smith really does tell a story with his music and the stripped back nature of this opening track really does allow the rich and earthy tones in his voice come through - not to mention his voice and the acoustic guitar are a natural fit.
Great Lakes is one of the stand out tracks on the album as he sings about the loss of love and the heartache that comes along with it.
There is a very melancholy feel to the beginning of the song but it really does burst into life in the second half of the track - beautifully that losing love is not the end and there is someone else out there for us.
And it is not just all about the acoustic guitar on this track as Smith includes some beautiful strings that really gives this song that little bit of extra something.
Forever To The End is another heartfelt track as Smith sings about hitting the road and saying goodbye while his beautiful guitar work really does help bring this track to life.
Smith rounds off the album in fine style with Lungs as Smith sings about the end of a relationship in what is the most heartbreaking track on the record.
Smith really does pour his heart and soul into this track and you can feel the pain in his voice- it really is the perfect end to this beautiful album.
Great Lakes is the most personal record that Smith has ever made as he sings about love and loss as well as getting out and seeing the world - these are themes that audiences can really relate to.
John Smith really is a great musical talent and Great Lakes sees him on top for vocally, musically and from a song writing point of view. This is an album that you cannot miss.
John Smith - Great Lakes is out now