Carrack, Paul: These Days

It’s been all too easy to dismiss Paul Carrack’s solo career and trot out the old story about the man having been the voice of Ace, Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics and of course all of that is true, along with the world wide hits and mega tours that accompanied it all. That recent years have also seen the front-man take side-billing in Eric Clapton’s band does little to douse the suggestions that Carrack needs a ‘name’ to make him shine. And yet, These Days is the singer and guitarist’s 17th solo album, a canon that has since the year 2000 appeared on his very own record label. Factor in the rather impressive feat of being able to announce a 30 date tour, with all shows in good sized venues, of the UK and maybe people have to give credit where credit’s due.

And if any doubters listen to These Days properly, then you’d hope that credit will come steadily flowing in for that too, for while we’re hardly reinventing the wheel or rocking the house down here, Carrack doesn’t do substandard albums and his latest effort is no different. And yet it is different, with a more Americana edge being an unexpected direction for things to veer as this latest set of songs take hold.

Carrack isn’t afraid to scroll through his impressive contacts list, employing the talents of world renowned drummer (and Clapton band mate) Steve Gadd to pin everything in place as Paul McCartney, Pretenders, Norah Jones and John Mayer guitarist Robbie McIntosh adds his sublime touch and tone to proceedings. Long term Carrack band member Jeremy Meek handles bass duties with no little skill, but as if that wasn’t all quite enough, Pee Wee Ellis (James Brown’s saxophonist) hand picked the horn section that also shows up throughout; while Carrack’s ex-Squeeze bandmate put together the lyrics for five of the eleven tracks on show.

Impressed yet? Well, if soulful adult pop with an Americana country tinge floats your boat, then you undoubtedly should be. Carrack, as ever, is unmistakable and peerless in his vocals and his song-writing (the album being all original tracks with no covers, which is a pleasant surprise for a Carrack solo effort) is top notch. If it’s a classy singalong you’re looking for then opener “Amazing� will fit that bill as it slides along effortlessly, while “Dig Deep� offers a similarity to Marc Cohn in name and style. A more upbeat jaunt arrives courtesy of “In The Cold Light Of Day�, just as the gently Caribbean vibe on the album’s title track convincingly heads in a pleasingly different direction. With the slow sway of “Where Does The Time Go� and masterful poise of “Perfect Storm� also encouraging you to forget about your cares and look on the brighter side of life, while These Days may not be the most riotous album you’ll ever hear, it is undoubtedly a calming and uplifting experience.

Track Listing
1. These Days
2. Cold Light Of Day
3. Honey In The Sunset
4. You Make Me Feel Good
5. Talk To Me
6. Life In A Bubble
7. Amazing
8. Where Does The Time Go?
9. The Best I Could
10. Dig Deep
11. Perfect Storm
12. Tell Somebody Who Cares

Added: September 7th 2018
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: These Days @ Paul Carrack online
Hits: 1415
Language: english

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