STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9215-8933 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album RRP: £11.00
Reviewed by Dustin Helgeson
Jamie MacAllister from Colchester is a 46-year-old man fulfilling his lifelong dream of recording an album and with some success, he has created a funky, laid back, reflective album full of poetic, thoughtful lyrics. "Inspiration" has a cool funky keyboard groove to start the album off. I love the lyric "We're cruising through/ Watching out for potholes on the road/Appreciating natural aromas/Creeping through the cosmos in the best of our personas/Cruising through," in the relaxing, drifting "Cruising Through". Treated vocals give it a Beach Boys-era sound. J-Mac keeps it scriptural with "Songs Of Deliverance", one of three songs inspired by the Psalms. This particular song has a fun reggae upbeat which keeps it interesting; "You Are Worthy" takes its lyrics from chapter five of Revelation. 'Inspiration' is a personal declaration for J-Mac. He has created decently crafted songs out of his personal experience and a collection he can be proud of for years to come. However, as the album drags on, there becomes little immediacy and accessibility for the listener, who must concentrate to take in the lyrics. Vocal changes and melody is what lacks on 'Inspiration'. There are a few cheesy moments as well. This isn't a bad album - it's simply average.
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Posted by James Day in Colchester @ 22:50 on Jan 11 2009
This album does not "drag" or lack melody for me, and "Do
not Fret" is as fine a soft rock track as you are ever
likely to get - indeed ideal for the more upbeat and
progressive worship bands there are around now.
Also, where else would you find a reggae version of "How
Great thou Art" (late in the track order with well known
lyrics!). This speaks of variety to me, and all delivered
with a smooth singing style.
Lyric sheet and scripture sources complete a rounded package
where seven of twelve tracks are clearly spiritually
influenced. Well worth a tenner!
This album does not "drag" or lack melody for me, and "Do not Fret" is as fine a soft rock track as you are ever likely to get - indeed ideal for the more upbeat and progressive worship bands there are around now.
Also, where else would you find a reggae version of "How Great thou Art" (late in the track order with well known lyrics!). This speaks of variety to me, and all delivered with a smooth singing style.
Lyric sheet and scripture sources complete a rounded package where seven of twelve tracks are clearly spiritually influenced. Well worth a tenner!