Alan Sorensen - Alan Sorensen's Greatest Hit: 30th Anniversary Re-issue!
STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 144239-21665 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
Originally released in 1982, this 10 track collection of songs from former singer/songwriter Alan Sorensen, now a Church of Scotland minister at Greenock's Wellpark Mid Kirk, has once again seen the light of day following its rerelease to help raise cash for his church's fabric fund. As the singular "hit" in the title suggests, Sorensen is self-effacing about the quality of his now 30 year old songs and although Sorensen would never claim to have the most refined voice in the world and the mix is pretty rough in places there are nonetheless some genuinely lovely moments. Proceedings kick off with the airy "Oh, But I'm Free!" which showcases Sorensen's ability to deliver an accomplished pop tune as well as Iain Mathieson's characteristic electric piano playing whilst the likes of "Only The Good Die Young" and "Chest Piece" mimic the new wave influences of the day albeit with varied success. More considered numbers such as "Paradox" and "Still Waters" seem to work best and see Sorensen give arguably his best performances whilst referencing his Christian faith with heartfelt sincerity. Elsewhere, the Donovanesque "When You Smile", the eerie "Ghost Of My Love" and the straightforward song of devotion "A Simple Song" round off a worthy reissue of an oddity that, at the time, promised great things from a budding artist had he chosen music instead of ministry.
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