Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

John Wright hails from Coventry and has previously released two EPs, both positively reviewed by Cross Rhythms. He used to sing as a session singer with LCGC and currently works regularly with Dan Bowater at Db Studios, but once again John has teamed up with Chris Smith and Nic Burrows of Raindance Studios to release this, his first full-length CD. John has essentially built on his previous EP and fleshed it out to 10 songs. . .albeit eight years later! Promoted as "an album about adventure and journeying" there is a definite travelling vibe to many of the songs. Whilst lyrically somewhat crossover, John has a gift for writing catchy songs that make your head nod and toes tap. Right from the opening "Living On The Train" with its happy, folk feel, the music is engaging. Stylistically John's songs are a cross between Fernando Ortega and Michael Card (particularly in the use of woodwinds and strings). "Harvest Sky" (the previous EP's title track) has a strong Simply Red-style soulfulness, and "Look" has a lovely sonic depth helped by Terl Bryant's reverbed bodhran, although the oboe part is perhaps a little too reminiscent of Seal's "Kiss From A Rose". The highlight for me is the beautifully wistful "There Has To Be A Reason" with its honest "I have done so many things, some I'm proud of, some I'm guilty for/You have shaken up my heart, all my pain you dealt with long ago." John's voice is sweet-sounding and his vocal harmonies sound rich, though like many session singers there is a lack of individuality in some of the lead vocals. But this is still a very pleasant collection of songs.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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