Steve's first solo album since the mid-seventies is a timely reminder of his stature as one of the best singers of his generation and if not for some real bad luck and a couple of career moves that deserved to work out better than they did, he might well be a household name the world over.
The album kicks off with the song he is best known for, 'Everlasting Love' and whilst it could be said to be his 'ball and chain' song, the one he can't escape from, on this version it's treated to a sensitive slow ballad re-working. The song has been covered by others many times over, but the chart topping version by Steve's band The Love Affair, still eclipses all others, including the Robert Knight original, it just has an enormous amount of energy, that others don't come close to, so in order not to mess with perfection, Steve's signature song is shown in a new light and works perfectly.
Following on from that is 'Brand New Start' written by Paul Weller, an acoustic piano ballad and demonstrates how after forty years Steve still has 'that voice', the one that made those Love Affair singles sell in the first place.
'As The Crow Flies' is a faster paced, big production number, wherein Steve's vocals sit perfectly, along with some great string parts and some handy guitar work from Steve Fairhead.
'Step Inside' is a modern take on a classic soul styled number written by Steve and original Love Affair guitarist Rex Brayley, which affords Steve the opportunity to flex his soul chops to great effect.
'Requiem For A Tyrant' is a smouldering slide and acoustic guitar led piece that musically almost alludes to Pink Floyd in places but is lifted by Steve's soaring vocals, demonstrating his ability to handle,with aplomb almost any style of song.
'Nu Clear Blues' is, unsurprisingly, a bluesy styled number with some nifty electric piano from Iain Dunnet and some fine old harp blowing from Roger Daltrey.
'Little One' gently deals with a father's love for his son and his hopes, wish and fears as his child grows into a man.
'Modesty' is a bluesy ballad with some tasty Hammond organ and harmonica and some fine backing vocals to round it off
'Yellow Rose Of Texas' is a bit of in the studio japery thrown in for good measure.
'Turn To Stone', written by Steve is a mid paced ballad with a great vocal and you get reminded of how his voice still sounds the same as when we first heard it all those years ago.
'Heaven's Word' is a funky bluesy number about a dream involving a conversation with 'the man upstairs' and his disappointment with how look after our planet. There's lots of brass and Hammond, in fact,very gospel sounding with a great soaring vocal, which we as fans always look for in a vocalist of this calibre and the man doesn't disappoint on this one.
'El Doomo' is a song from way back in the days of the 'Eliis' band and is a favourite amongst his fans and sits very well on this album. The song has a sensitive arrangement here, is very poignant and is one of many highlights on this release, with some understated strings, a nice restrained but 'burning ' guitar solo add to the amosphere on this cut.
'Best Of Days' is a fine song which basically says 'stop moaning and get on with life and enjoy it all, depsite what gets thrown at you'. I know what he means and I can go along with that sentiment.
The album finishes with a live version of 'Everlasting Love' featuring the guitars of Paul Weller and Steve Cradock, recorded at The Fairfield Halls in Croyden, England. The inclusion of this song once again is validatd for two reasons, first of all it it shows the musicians of the younger Mod generation's admiration for Steve and also the proceeds from this track get donated to the St. Mark's Hospital Foundation for their IF unit.
All in all, this album is a wonderful return to the fray for Steve and one would hope that he continues to make more music. There is talk of an autobiography, which would be a fascinating read as Steve has had nothing less than an extraordinary life, that has had many ups and many downs along the way.
Reviewed by Kevin Wallbank of M100 and Honeymoon on Mars
10/11/08
