We still have another nine months of 2010 left, and many more albums to listen to, but here’s an album that could well end up becoming Shakenstir’s album of the year. Last weekend I witnessed a live performance by Beth Nielsen Chapman in Llandudno where she performed many songs from this album, during what I can only describe as one of the best shows I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a few. If you don’t know the artist click on this link for a biography/interview:

http://www.shakenstir.co.uk/index.php/interviews/beth-nielsen-chapman-interview/interviews/15568/

You will see that BNC has survived a rather turbulent life, and one which has been well documented through this singer/songwriter’s wonderful music. SAND AND WATER, for example, serves as a reflection on her husband, a cancer victim who died back in ‘94. This new album both celebrates and reflects on BNC’s own battle with the desease, her victory over it plus some. It is a stunning album which has already taken pride of place in my personal list of 20 all-time greats - it’s that good.

The joy starts, appropriately, with ‘Hallelujah’, a song that opens innocently enough, but then gradually opens out into an epic paean to love and life. Included are Beatle-esque guitar passages, glorious melody, great lyrics,  with the most powerful and expressive lead and backing vocals. One word - Superb. ‘I Can See Me Loving’, is joyful, bouncing country pop-rocker that opens with a seductive giggle and opens out into a chart-busting, heart-lifting  song if ever I’ve heard one. The mood gets darker and more reflective with ‘Even As It All Goes By.’ The mood is lifted by soaring brass, orchestral flashes and a voice that travels to the heavens in the hefty choruses.

‘How We Love’ is another contemplative song, that is never really sad, but full of hope and feaures one of the finest vocals here. The piano backdrop is perfectly judged, as are the sweeping orchestrations that add drama to a song that could so easily become the main theme of a blockbuster love movie. ‘I Need Your Love’  is a song that tumbles along in acoustic glory with a melody that lodges firmly and just won’t let go. It’s a darker song with a simple, and moving message that BNC delivers with sincerity and passion. There’s also wonderful solo guitar passages and peerless production.

‘More Than Love’ has  another great lelody, with handclaps singing out through the song as it clips along at a rapid pace. It’s a foot-tapping, bouncing, country rocker designed to lift the mood before reflection returns with the beautiful narrative ‘Happiness.’  The lyrics say it all: “All my fears disguised as truth danced the dark night of my soul/But the light of day revealed no proof that God would let me down.” It’s followed by a gorgeous romantic ballad called ‘I’ll Give My Heart’ which could so easily take it’s place amongst the classic USA standards.

And just as you think the album couldn’t get any better, ‘Shadows’, a song so beautiful and moving that it’s capable of bringing one close to tears. Put simply, it’s one of the finest songs I’ve ever heard. ‘Peace’ almost matches it, while final track ‘The Path Of Love’ concludes the album in a quietly reflective Celtic folk style.

This is an album that gets better with each listen, and reached a point with me when I could not turn it off.  It’s a magical collection of crafted songs, performed with profound skill, sensitivity and expression. It’s also hugely accessible and wouldn’t surprise me if in the States it gathers strong sales momentum, and ends up as a Grammy and Country Awards winner. It deserves nothing less. 

5/5