Artistic integrity is everything. So when Adams was outvoted by his record company on which collection of songs to include on his last generally available album (ROCK N ROLL), Adams convinced the powers-that-be to release two other albums (LOVE IS HELL PART 1 & 2) to ultimate critical acclaim. As a result, this new album, described on the cover as ‘the complete album as originally intended’ has been released, and it’s wonderwall!

ROCK N ROLL was a radio friendly, melodic, pleasant enough album, but this blows it away. And I can understand why Adams badly wanted it released. Opening with Political Scientist, you can hear an almost live performance ambience through the unadorned style of production. The instrumental sounds are vivid, the vocals crystal clear and expressive, while the song’s dark tone and glacial pace completes a superb package. In fact, it’s a song I can imagine Jeff Buckley writing and performing if he had lived. The next track, Afraid Not Scared, hastens the pace, pushed along by a relentless guitar rhythm. Adams’ vocal is strongly emotional as it communicates the song’s doom-laden message.

To describe this album as heartfelt is an understatement. This House Is Not For Sale is a supreme example of the album’s tantalizing and haunting nature. Lyrically, Adams has never been stronger, “Tell them that the house is not for sale, we’re still living here, how come nobody can tell? They’re taking all the furniture, moving our things, come on little honey, tell them that the house is not for sale.” So strong is the album that to pick out a highlight is virtually impossible, although his bluesy, down-paced version of Wonderwall comes pretty close. But it’s The Shadowland with its solitary piano backdrop and intensely emotional vibe that ultimately takes my vote. The middle-eight signals mournful strings and country style guitar chords to take over from Adams’ pain-racked voice, to conclude a song that will break your heart. Reflecting on his relationship with one English singer/songrwiter on English Girls Approximately, he observes, “Said you didn’t love me, you didn’t want a thing, English girls can be so mean.” In providing the song with a soft country vibe, he effectively sings it as though it’s not as personal as it really is… quite clever really.

Along with HEARTBREAKER, this is without doubt Adams’ finest and most instrospective album. It shows increased maturity while marking him out as a very special singer/songwriter, and this album as one that is essential to own.

4.5/5