STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 1309-27378 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Mike Rimmer
Probably best described as inspirational pop, this private recording captures lan's pleasantly crafted songs with the minimum fuss (and restricted budget). Captured mainly by keyboard and midi, acoustic piano and a bit of guitar here and there plus a few wind instruments, there's a good attempt at creating some variety to maintain interest. It's clear however that Ian feels his strong suit is the intimate ballad and it is! He has a knack for writing songs that lug a! the heart strings whether that's in inspiring the listener to draw closer to God on "All Of Me" or to shed tears for unloved children on "Tell Me That You'll Stay' or the evils of Dunblane. At the other extreme, there is the more driĀving pop of "Fall-4-You" with its nice bursts of sax, and the anthemic "I Believe It" which sounds very like something Kendrick would write and is probably a big hit in the Basingsloke Community Church! However, there are weaknesses here. Obviously the budget restricts the overall sound although lan's creativity overrides this time and again. However one thing cannot be ignored, there are many moments when his voice is decidedly weak so that some songs sound as though they would be better served by having a stronger vocal presence.
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I continue to enjoy this CD, which I first bought from Ian in 1999. Thank you Ian.