Sam Lewis – LOVERSITY.
Released on Loversity Records.
Nashville based singer, songwriter guitarist Lewis has been dubbed ‘a modern Townes Van Zandt’, and this latest project heralded as ‘the place where feel-good music meets vital social commentary.’
Sam’s third album comprises 12 original songs and one apiece written by John Mann and Loudon Wainwright.
A country groove and soulful Americana is evident from the start with When Come The Morning but second track in, Wainwright’s Natural Disaster, and it is clear this is going to be much more of an eclectic, edgy genre-defying album.
Great Ideas is reminiscent of Van Morrison with a provocative message, “I’m so tired of people saying it’s my way or the highway. Everything’s going to be ok if we try a new way. What do you say? The dynamic, upbeat, horn-powered Southern gospel title track accompanied by backing singers adds a new word, loversity, into the lexicon which adds to the intrigue.
In contrast to the full-on band sound, the introspective Accidental Harmony is a gentle lullaby that fellow Nashville songwriter John Mann wrote for his first child.
Some People sees Lewis reflecting on his search for answers from the perspective of living on the outside looking in, constantly questioning before concluding, “But I know now I know nothing, Some people only wish they did.” Lewis takes a close look at his country in peril and admits that being political wasn’t his mission but a sense of duty.
On One And The Same he sees the world that we know is in pain and uses the lyrics on (Some Fall Hard) Living Easy to pose fundamental questions: “What’s your purpose are you a cure or a disease/”and confesses, “I’d be happier with less if I only had some more.”
Little Too Much takes the theme of giving a little but maybe taking too much.
However, all of these songs are not performed in a depressing or tub-thumping manner but with calm, flowing vocals and sumptuous guitar and piano accompaniment.
So how can this album be summarised? As Lewis explains, “This is the closest thing I’ll ever write to a concept album.
The idea is that we are all trying to get somewhere — all running from something and toward something. We’re all together in it, though.” As current events in the world divide people on the basis of difference, Brexit being a prime example Loversity is a timely reminder that diversity and unity can co-exist
Album Review by The Bishop
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