THE HALLS OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
Great start to the album. Upbeat and uplifting with a
positive vibe.
DAYLIGHT
A beautiful thought provoking song, written especially
for Grahams very dear friend Andrew Gold who sadly passed away. The lyrics offer a glimpse of the closeness
the two shared in their life journey, through their similarities and shared
vision. I particularly love the chorus (
daylight, daylight, let it in and let it out) which for me is the true life
blood of the song. It radiates an energy
of its own, almost like a breathing sensation which we need for life itself…it
gives the song its own life momentum and identity. When Graham sings
(I can hear you all about) it suggests Andrew has
never really gone but still present in a spiritual sense. The thought sits perfectly with the serene
ending of piano and voice, simple,
effective, but a fitting tribute without being depressing or heavy.
ARIELLA
ARIELLA - Another
VIP in Grahams life. This track
really lays Grahams soul bare and reveals the true extent of his feelings,
hopes and dreams for his life with his lovely lady. Very catchy song, scattered with humour.
THEN ITS GONE
I love the tempo to this song and it was easily
likeable. Its cosy and comforting and
makes you warm inside. The subtle
mandolin enhances the mood slightly.
LET ME DREAM AGAIN
Another positive song of feeling the pure joy of
personal empowerment when you learn to live truly in the sun.
LOST IN THE SHADOWS OF LOVE
A sad song of love that’s lost its way. The lyrics capture the pain of a love that
was once precious and shared by two, mirrored with the empty longing pain of a
solitary figure who is reaching for a flicker of hope to capture yesterday. The guitarist is a sympathetic ear.
BATTLEFIELD
Battlefield feels like the next chapter to lost in the
shadows of love.
CRYING TIME AGAIN
This track maybe the third chapter. If you listen to all three songs you may see
a pattern emerge. The first statement is
someone lost, inconsolable and in love with memories. The next stage brings a new strength and
vigour to retrieve that love whatever it takes.
The third is a realisation that the love has gone for good.
ANY DAY NOW
A Spanish feel to this song. Very easy to listen to
and enjoy. The lyrics yearn for
togetherness keeping hope alive.
PUTTING MY FAITH IN LOVE
Quirky tune echoing a Mavericks style. Its catchy country and western feel make this
a line dancers must have. Lyrics spread
a desire to believe in the good of love and all what that brings and diminish
negativity and pessimism.
BLACK GOLD
Instrumental, moody, shadows style track with a great
country and western rhythm.
MEMORY LANE
The last track on the album - Graham visits his past
with his love, as they begin their new chapter.
We shadow them as he cautiously takes us there, he lets us peek inside
the portal but doesn’t make us feel a crowd.
SUMMARY
Love and work is a quality album because Graham has
given himself wholly to it, brought it alive and made it real. As a listener I feel gifted to be part of his
work and connected to the element of him that feels in such a good place at
this time of his life. He has captured
the essence of time through his expression of lyrics and music and you can
empathise with him so well. Love it.
Valerie Aldred
29th June 2012