Reviewed by Tony Cummings

When Record Collector magazine reviewed this album on its release in December last year they enthused how the "soul superstar maps out persuasive new directions." Reviewer Kevin Harley explained how Michael does that. "Not only a record that reflects on a need to rise to the tests of marriage and parenthood, it also locates and disturbs his purest virtues: that soft voice, the open-eared attitude to influences, the emotionally charged guitar and - above all - the searching, soulful depths of his writing. If the result is a sparer album than its sometimes saturated predecessor, it's none the lesser for it." Aficionados of this brilliant singer, songwriter, guitarist and committed man of God will be able to tell you the key moments of Michael's musical and spiritual life: how this son of Ugandan parents who escaped the Idi Amin regime learned guitar and began playing at St James, Muswell Hill church; began doing sessions for producers Chipmunk and Basky; recorded a couple of EPs for Communion Records; was signed to Polydor in 2012 where his debut full length 'Home Again' was a major hit; and has toured with Mumford & Sons and Adele. With this album he reminds us that our whole lives are a journey where insights and challenges whatever our circumstances will, if we will allow them, deepen our grasp on the lessons God of everything brings us. It is no wonder that Michael sings, "God knows I gotta be bringing the best of me this time." From start to finish 'Small Changes' is a thing of sonic beauty - listen to those dazzling guitar arpeggios, those sweet celestial harmonies and psychedelic soul-style use of strings where Michael's careful choice of collaborators like bass maestro Pino Palladino and keys man Jimmy Jam (of Jam & Lewis renown) make for many moments of delicate and wistful grooves you will only find in the very best soul music. The closer "Four Long Years" is a sad lament for lost loves and an expression of determination not to drop the ball and abandon wife and children so many superstars tragically tumble into once they find the glittering prizes of success. Like all classic albums, one can go anywhere in its span and find tracks you want to play on repeat. For me this is track eight, "Live For Your Love". It is a haunting, deceptively simple song. "Over and over again/I left you cold/Over and over again, you take me back/I live for your love." Over my decades as a music journalist I've interviewed a thousand plus recording artists. Before I go home I hope I get the opportunity to talk to Michael because he's made an album which will enrich my life. And it will enrich yours if you get it.

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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