Bruce Cockburn – Stealing Fire (Album Review)

There are singer/songwriters and then there is Bruce Cockburn; an artist that, in my opinion, has never truly received the recognition he deserved. Yes, he has been incredibly successful throughout his career, but as you listen to Stealing Fire I’ve no doubt you’ll be left speechless for not only is it one of the best albums from 1984, but it’s a hidden gem of the era.

Part of the album’s appeal is most certainly linked to the inclusion of musical influences from around the world as these elements merge perfectly with Cockburn’s overall style. Yes, Cockburn’s folk stylings remain, as do the classic rock and pop elements, but it’s in the intertwining of these elements where the album comes into its own for there isn’t a dull song to be heard. It’s also expertly suited to the era with plenty of 80s influences; none of which, however, detract from the album's eclectic style.

As part of the world influence, Stealing Fire’s lyrics are primarily related to a world in turmoil, reflecting on political unrest, human rights, and the transformative power of love and hope. This poignant lyricism will undoubtedly appeal to those who dissect music for its literal meaning, but the music, itself, is so strong that many of us will simply sit back, relax, and appreciate Cockburn’s vocal for its tonal qualities and sensational delivery.

The unconventional album artwork is compelling, so much so that I look forward to attaining a physical release, particularly on vinyl. Thankfully, Red Eye Records has the most recent LP reissues available to order. However, what’s limiting my interest in picking up a copy is in relation to just how well recorded, mixed, and mastered the Lossless Apple Music stream is. Yes, it is the CD counterpart to the Deluxe Edition from 2003, but Peter Moore did such an incredible remastering job that I feel no need to seek out a physical release, particularly on vinyl, as the digital stream is immersive, spacious, and tonally warm. It truly is a pleasure to listen to.

As it pertains to the bonus tracks that were issued on the Deluxe Edition; they’re lovely. However, here at Subjective Sounds, we try to focus on the album’s original sequencing, hence you’ll note a shared playlist below containing the album’s original nine tracks. If you’d like to hear Yanqui Go Home and Call It The Sundance, both songs are available, on Apple Music, by clicking here.

Lovers In A Dangerous Time is an ideal opener for this 80s-era release. It also happens to be one of Cockburn’s most memorable tunes and performed well on the charts when released as a single. With its driving beat, jangly guitars, and infectious melody, Lovers In A Dangerous Time will appeal to just about anyone who has a penchant for 80s-styled recordings.

Maybe The Poet continues the wondrous musical exploration with its upbeat tempo. Cockburn’s sharp, almost spoken-word delivery, is highly compelling, but it’s the musical bed as well as the choral backing that appeals most to this music lover.

Sahara Gold is an incredible tune; a true hidden gem. Cockburn’s evocative guitar work shines through, creating a soundscape that is both beautiful and slightly unsettling. It is, however, the haunting melody that amplifies the senses. Cockburn’s vocal styling is nothing short of exceptionally compelling thereby resulting in one of Cockburn’s all-time greatest recordings.

Making Contact picks up the tone to deliver a song that’s a little lighter than Sahara Gold. While it could be suggested that there’s a slight jolt to the senses between the two songs, it isn’t enough to break the flow of the album. Either way, Making Contact, with its laid-back groove and reggae-influenced rhythm is a thoroughly enjoyable tune that will have you toe-tapping and head-bopping throughout.

Peggy's Kitchen Wall is one of the more narrative-driven tracks on the album. It’s musically beautiful with an almost jaunty rhythm that borrows slightly from reggae music, the combination of which results in an interesting contrast to the song’s dark subject matter.

To Raise The Morning Star will have you turning the volume up, for the rhythmic vibe and layered musically will captivate your soul with its ethereal arrangement of chiming guitars and gentle percussion.

Nicaragua is a simply stunning tune. While I don’t always listen to music for literal intent, Nicaragua is one of the songs on the record that’s difficult to ignore for it’s one of the album’s most political. If nothing else, Nicaragua is Cockburn at his most poetic.

If I Had A Rocket Launcher is another highlight from Cockburn’s career, and is one of his most controversial songs. Depending on your perspective, different interpretations can be assigned to the song’s lyrical meaning, but from a musical perspective, If I Had A Rocket Launcher is one of his greatest tunes with a guitar performance to rival that of Mark Knopfler.

Dust And Diesel closes out the album in a more reflective mood. The song’s musical arrangement takes a back seat, thereby allowing Cockburn’s vocals to shine through. If nothing else, as you listen to Dust And Diesel, you’ll feel compelled to play the album again for Stealing Fire is an album that can seldom be listened to once.

From start to finish, Stealing Fire is a remarkable singer/songwriter release that will appeal to just about any music lover. Bruce Cockburn’s ability to combine powerful messages with compelling music makes this album a timeless classic, as relevant today as it was when released in 1984. If you haven’t yet added this masterpiece to your own music library, what are you waiting for? Music doesn’t get much better than this and Cockburn is a true, underrated, musical legend.

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Tracy Chapman – Crossroads (Album Review)

Released in 1989, Crossroads is Tracy Chapman's sophomore album, following her critically acclaimed self-titled debut, and maintains Chapman's signature blend of folk, soft rock, and soul. With themes relating to social justice, personal introspection, and resilience, Crossroads is a compelling album that, while not quite as profound as her debut, is an incredible follow-up and one of the best albums released in 1989.

While the cover art isn’t as striking as her debut, one thing is for certain and that’s the music contained within has been recorded, mixed, and mastered with kid gloves. That shouldn’t shock longtime fans of Chapman’s music, for her music production has always been pristine. It is notable, however, as quality such as this is often the exception rather than the rule.

As it pertains to the lossless Apple Music stream, it’s simply exquisite. You’ll be amazed by the sonic wonder of this edition as you’ll get a sense that Chapman and the band are in the room with you. The presentation is immersive and the soundstage is well-developed with clear separation between all musical elements thereby ensuring that Chapman shines on vocals while the backing musical bed is luscious. Of course, don’t take my word for it, give it a listen as we take a look at the songs that make up this incredible release.

Crossroads opens the album with a contemplative relaxed tone and a steady rhythm. It is, exactly, what fans would have been expecting at the time, having just come off the success of Chapman’s debut. While it isn’t necessarily the strongest song from the record, despite being released as the first single, it’s still lovely in its own right and a worthy opener that sets the tone for the entire album.

Bridges has a gorgeous acoustic arrangement and is, without a doubt, one of Chapman’s greatest recordings. If there is a hidden gem from the album, this is most certainly it and if I had my way, this masterpiece would have been released as a single.

Freedom Now is a lovely tribute to Nelson Mandela and the struggle against apartheid. However, as I don’t generally appreciate music for its literal interpretation, I find that the musical aspects of Freedom Now are a little pedestrian. It is, for lack of a better term, an album-only number; one that holds the album together, yes, but one that you’re unlikely to seek out on its own.

Material World picks up the tempo with a catchy melody and overall rhythm that melds with your soul. While I just got through mentioning that literal meaning isn't the way I define my love of music, the song’s critique on consumerism, and the obsession with wealth attainment, are topics that are still, sadly, at the forefront of humanity. Nevertheless, Material World is a reminder for us all to seek fulfilment beyond material acquisitions.

Be Careful Of My Heart is ballad-focused and is simply stunning. Chapman’s vocals are, as always, exquisite, but it is the delicate musical bed that not only allows the vocals to shine but makes Be Careful Of My Heart such a memorable tune.

Subcity is a mix between Bob Dylan and Neil Young, in relation to the chosen style, and topical nature, of the song. It’s another solid album-only tune and it’s songs such as this that make Crossroads so compelling for each song on a record need not be exceptional for the album to be thoroughly enjoyable.

Born To Fight has a jazzy undertone that makes it unique, when compared to the other songs on Crossroads, but it’s this distinctive nature that ensures it’s one of the standout songs from the album as you’ll feel compelled to move to the rhythm.

A Hundred Years is a lovely tune and while it could be suggested that the musical backing is a little pedestrian, Chapman’s vocal prowess absolutely shines with the gentle flutter she is renowned for. Yet, at no time, does her vocal go beyond the acceptable range as she has exceptional control over her delivery. The result is that A Hundred Years is thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.   

This Time opens with a magnificent acoustic element that’s so good I wish that it was an instrumental number. Of course, when Chapman’s vocal enters the mix my thoughts change and I become immersed in the entire song, but when music is this extraordinarily good, every element stands on its own and the culmination of all aspects only strengthens the recording. Magnificent!

All That You Have Is Your Soul is a beautiful closer with its straightforward acoustic arrangement and deeply personal lyrics. As with all good final tracks, All That I Have Is Your Soul will leave you in both a contemplative mood and one willing to play Crossroads again for this singer/songwriter folk-focused record is amongst the best you’re ever likely to hear.

Crossroads is a compelling follow-up to Tracy Chapman's landmark debut that showcases her growth as a songwriter and artist. Chapman's ability to blend addictively good music with potent storytelling makes Crossroads a timeless and essential listen, especially for those of you who have yet to venture beyond her acclaimed debut and the associated hits. Crossroads, subsequently, is not just a collection of songs, but an album experience; one that should be in every music lover’s collection.

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Bruce Cockburn – O Sun O Moon (Album Review)

In the ever-evolving world of music, few artists can boast a career as diverse and influential as Bruce Cockburn. With a legacy spanning over five decades, Cockburn has consistently captivated audiences with his thoughtful lyrics, virtuosic guitar playing, and unique vocal style. His latest album, O Sun O Moon, released in 2023, showcases his enduring talent and serves as a testament to his artistic evolution. Seamlessly blending folk and rock elements, Cockburn's music will continue to resonate with listeners worldwide with this latest release; one of his very best!

While there isn’t much to say about the album artwork, it’s an appealing piece of visual art that plays into the album’s title quite well. I can only imagine how impressive it would look on the larger vinyl canvas and while I aim to pick up a copy, from a sonic perspective I’m smitten with the lossless stream available via Apple Music. As I listen to the record, it becomes clear that Cockburn is in the room with you and every instrumental element has the space to breathe. It really is a well-recorded, mixed, and mastered album.

Of course, sonic quality alone is for nil if the music isn’t exceptionally good and while I don’t always appreciate music for its literal meaning, instead choosing to enjoy the human vocal as another instrument in the mix, join me as I take a look at the songs that make up O Sun O Moon. And, yes, dear reader, you can most certainly enjoy the very best a singer/songwriter has to offer even if, like me, you don’t pay attention to the lyrical stories expressed via the songs.

On A Roll sets the musical tone for the entire album. While the rhythm will infect your soul, it is the catchy chorus that I find myself drawn to as well as the mid-song guitar solo; although I do wish the mix was somewhat different so that the solo could take centre stage for I feel it is too concealed.

Orders slows the tempo a little but the gorgeous guitar work throughout is thoroughly pleasing to the senses. Orders is delivered poetically in Cockburn’s chosen style and as with On A Roll, it is Cockburn’s delivery on the microphone that makes Orders so compelling. It’s singer/songwriter gold and makes for a perfect accompaniment when you’re after music that is both bold and relaxing.

Push Comes To Shove sees me turn the volume up. Exquisite comes to mind for the recording and the mix is utterly perfect with a jazz-inspired tune that is one of the best songs from O Sun O Moon and is without a doubt one of Cockburn’s greatest recordings.

Colin Went Down To The Water is one of those songs that will create an earworm; a pleasing one, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it isn’t the strongest song on the album. My feeling is that it is a little too repetitive and while I acknowledge that others may love that approach, it has the potential to cause fatigue upon repeat listens.

Into The Now is a lovely song sung in a near-lullaby style. It may not be a standout, but Into The Now ensures that the album structure of O Sun O Moon is one of the very best records released in 2023.

Us All flows beautifully from Into The Now and Cockburn’s beautiful tones float lovely on the musical bed of the song. It’s an outstanding mix!

To Keep The World We Know takes us back to an upbeat tempo, yet there’s little to no jolt to the senses. It will have you toe-tapping and head-bopping; a great tune.

King Of The Bolero is a magnificent song. Truly magnificent! King Of The Bolero is a textbook example of how to write, record, mix, and master a perfect tune. It’s songs like this that prove just how incredibly talented Cockburn is as a musician.

When The Spirit Walks In The Room continues the sonic masterpiece and is one of my favourite songs from O Sun O Moon. Cockburn’s gravelly vocal presentation here is the highlight for he takes every note and intonation right to the edge of his capabilities and holds it so that, as with Us All, his vocal delicately hangs in the air just above the backing musical elements.

Haiku (Instrumental) is a lovely musical interlude.

O Sun By Day O Moon By Night is essentially the inspiration behind the album’s title and it’s a fantastic tune. Yes, to some it may come across as a little preachy, particularly in the chorus, but it’s lovely nonetheless.

When You Arrive isn’t a standout, but it is the perfect closer for O Sun O Moon for it encourages me to play the album again. It also does what all good closers should; it allows one to contemplate the music they’ve just listened to, meaning that it is a perfect way to end a relaxing night of music listening.

Bruce Cockburn's O Sun O Moon is a musical masterpiece that effortlessly blends folk and rock elements to deliver a deeply satisfying listening experience. Each track on the album showcases the artist's immense talent and artistic growth and that isn’t bad considering Cockburn is fast approaching his eighth decade. It just goes to prove that age is but a number for O Sun O Moon is one of the best albums released in 2023 and if it were to be Cockburn’s final album, then it wouldn’t be far-fetched to suggest that this release was a pinnacle moment in his illustrious career.

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Natalie Merchant – Keep Your Courage (Album Review)

Released in 2023, Natalie Merchant’s eighth studio album, Keep Your Courage, once again focuses on introspective lyrics, folk-inspired melodies, and her distinct vocal style. Merchant’s longevity in the industry is a testament to her prowess as a vocalist and performer, but never has she released such a poignant and sonically pleasing album for I dare say that Keep Your Courage is the greatest creative work of her illustrious career.

As regular readers of Subjective Sounds would note, I appreciate the human voice as an instrument in the mix rather than as a storytelling device and while the songs included on Keep Your Courage explore isolation, love, politics, and feminism, which will appeal to those who appreciate dissecting songs for their literal meanings, I remain in awe of Merchant’s vocal reach throughout as they are thoroughly pleasing to the senses.

Turning our attention to the visual senses and one finds the album’s artwork to be truly unique. Merchant normally appears on her cover art design, but the Joan of Arc statue certainly plays into the album’s title as well as much of the lyrical context throughout. The chosen design, with the coloured elements in the lower left-hand corner, is intriguing for I can’t fathom their purpose or meaning, but they simply work. Without them, the album cover would have been a little visually dull in its monochromatic state.

For those of you interested in picking up a physical release, you’ll be pleased to know that these coloured elements are continued throughout the artwork and look simply incredible. Plus, if you’re after a vinyl version, you’ll get a fourth side containing four songs, from Merchant’s previous albums, never before released on vinyl. While the bonus songs may not have been intended to flow in the context of the album structure, it is far more appealing than when an album is presented across three sides and the fourth is either left blank or contains an etching. Thankfully, the vinyl release didn’t truncate the album either; a common practice that can be mildly frustrating.

Sonically, the Hi-Res Lossless Apple Music Stream, an Apple Digital Master, is nothing short of perfection. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautifully recorded, mixed, and mastered albums you’re likely to hear in the modern era. The soundstage is spacious and every musical note is given air to breathe as Merchant’s stunning vocal soars through the backing music in a divine experience that has to be heard to be believed. Masterpiece doesn’t even come close to describing the sonic presentation of Keep Your Courage.

Big Girls (feat. Abena Koomson-Davis) is a beautiful song to open the album on. From the first piano notes, to Merchant’s glorious vocal, the sonic sparseness is the highlight here as it allows the mind to relax and reflect before the other musical elements come into the mix. Big Girls has a little bit of everything. There are the singer/songwriter elements, a jazz influence, as well as a tad of pop to be heard. Stunning describes it, but it’s also an understatement.

Come On, Aphrodite (feat. Abena Koomson-Davis) is easily my favourite song from the album. The seamless transition from Big Girls is utterly perfect and Abena Koomson-Davis’ inclusion here is both complementary to Merchant as well as being a standout element. Without Koomson-Davis’ contribution, Come On, Aphrodite wouldn’t be as impressive as it is for the vocal elements are the strongest aspect of this song with regard to the ebb and flow of the tune.

Sister Tilly is a thoroughly relaxing sonic journey. You’ll find yourself closing your eyes and listening in a captivated manner for music should always sound this good, yet it seldom does. What a beautiful song!

Narcissus flows beautifully from Sister Tilly and it would be fair to say that as far as the sequencing of the album goes, Keep Your Courage is seamless. While it isn’t a standout tune, the more I listen to Keep Your Courage the more I find myself increasingly captivated by Narcissus for Merchant’s vocal prowess, control, and delicacy is an experience in and of itself.

Hunting The Wren shifts the tone to be one of a more melancholy approach than we’ve heard thus far. It’s haunting and will make you sit up and take notice but the boldness of the sonic experience ensures that the senses are heightened when listening to this memorable tune.

Guardian Angel lifts the senses following the tonal shift of Hunting The Wren and while it’s a rather simple composition, it allows Merchant’s delicate vocals to reach every aspect of your soul. Merchant is so clear and present, in the mix, that your speakers will disappear and should you close your eyes, you’d swear she is in the room with you. Plus, the musical interlude around the midway point is nothing short of incredible. Guardian Angel is a true masterpiece in every sense of the word.

Eye Of The Storm isn’t quite the song Guardian Angel is, but its beauty is complementary and it’s songs such as Eye Of The Storm that make Keep Your Courage one of the best albums released in 2023 and one that will remain a landmark recording for Merchant.

Tower Of Babel shifts the tempo. The horn and rhythm work here is off-the-charts good. An incredible tune and one that sees my body moving involuntarily to the groove. My only criticism is that it’s too short. That said, good things come in small packages.

Song Of Himself is more relaxed, compared to Tower Of Babel, but unless you’re listening for it, you’re unlikely to notice the stylistic shift. While there isn’t a bad song to be heard on Keep Your Courage, Song Of Himself is a classic album-only tune that few will seek out but is necessary in order to hold the structure of the album experience together.

The Feast Of Saint Valentine is simply gorgeous. What an incredible closing tune! Initially sparse in its chosen musical style and mix, when the music begins to build, every element becomes crystal clear thereby ensuring that The Feast Of Saint Valentine is a memorable closer that will compel you to play the album again. That is, of course, provided you don’t choose to put this magnificent song on repeat for it’s one of the best tunes from the album and one of the best songs Merchant has ever recorded.

There’s no denying Merchant’s songwriting and vocal abilities for she is a master of the craft. Yet, just when we thought that we had heard the best that she has to offer, Keep Your Courage comes along in 2023 and bests all other creative output from this incredible songstress. While I can’t wait to hear more music from Merchant, if Keep The Courage were to be her final album, then I’d consider her extensive catalogue of music to be complete and that this final recording was the apex of her creativity.

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Missy Higgins – Total Control (EP Review)

While fans will undoubtedly be longing for a follow-up to Missy Higgins’ fifth studio album, Solastalgia, the Total Control EP has the potential to tide them over as she returns in fine form with an incredible rendition of The Motels’ Total Control amongst other songs. 

For those not familiar with the songstress, Missy Higgins is one of Australia’s greatest singer/songwriters and has been pivotal to the Australian music scene since her 2003 debut The Missy Higgins EP; an impressive first showing! Higgins’ unique vocal style is instantly recognisable, in much the same way as Paul Kelly’s is, but it is her ability to tell stories that ensured she’s achieved three No. 1 albums in Australia. Not bad considering she’s only, thus far, released five studio albums. 

Total Control is somewhat different, however, as the storytelling has been inspired by the TV Series “Total Control”; an Australian political drama. Plus, ironically, it isn’t Higgins’ narrative that is the most notable aspect of this release but her cover of the title song. Originally written by Martha Davis & Jeff Jourard, Higgins’ version will blow your mind and ensures that Total Control makes its way into the list of the best album releases (in this case a mini-album) of 2022.

Watch Out is sensational. The introduction alone, with the fundamental instrumentation, sets the tone of the song as Higgins’ poetic vocal soars above the musical bed. It reminds me of the style that Sophia Pfister applied to her music but most importantly Watch Out will stay as an earworm in your mind. While some may detest that fact, and sometimes I do too, Watch Out is so good that I thoroughly enjoy the repetition as it reminds me to play this mini-album again.

The Collector similarly will capture your soul and not let go with its catchy hook. It’s a toe-tapper with a southern rhythm and blues influence that is infectious.  

Edge Of Something (from the TV Series “Total Control”) offers listeners a beautiful soundscape and highlights Higgins’ glorious vocal; she’s magnificent, isn’t she? Edge Of Something is one of those songs that can be appreciated at both low and room-filling volumes and I suggest you consider the latter for it truly soars. Another magnificent performance but you’ve yet to hear Total Control so hold on to your hat. 

The music video, for the Edge of Something, is stunning. It’s simple, yet elegant, as Higgins performs from a side profile as scenes from the associated TV Series are interspersed throughout.

Total Control is magnificent! I hope you haven’t turned the volume down for Higgins is in the room with you and the soundstage is extraordinary and well worth appreciating at higher volumes. Yes, the original recording from The Models is excellent, especially the saxophone solo, but Higgins has made it her own and this rendition is nothing short of perfection.

Big Kids has a killer harmonic vocal introduction but the shift to Higgins’ vocal is a little clunky. Yet, as the song progresses, this stylistic choice makes sense and flows far better than initially expected. A solid song by any measurement but I can’t help but wonder if it couldn’t have been more impactful for I feel Higgins is a little too restrained in her vocal delivery on this tune. 

I Take It Back is a lovely closer that will leave you in a reflective mood. As with the rest of the songs on this mini-album, I Take It Back represents one of the best songs Higgins has ever recorded. It’s simply magnificent and the choral backing towards the end of the song will leave you speechless. 

While some may lament the mini-album runtime of this release, Missy Higgins once again proves that less is more by ensuring she has total control of your attention for the entire duration. While a full-length album would have been nice, it is by no means necessary especially considering there isn’t any filler to be heard on Total Control; an aspect I can’t say is present on all of her studio albums. Total Control is highly polished, well-considered, and purposeful, thereby making it an essential release that should be in everyone’s music library.

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