In all my listening years, I have never heard a weak Eric Bibb album. And this one continues that run – all the strengths you would expect and even a little more soul than usual.
This is another collaboration with Glenn Scott and the pair co-wrote almost all of the songs here – there are two written by Eric Bibb and one Eric Bibb & Gordon Cyrus. As always with Bibb, there is a warm tone to the whole album and a soft feel throughout. Which is not to say that it is all the same, the tracks range from acoustic singer/songwriter to gospel or string laden lushness and every song is listenable to individually or as part of the whole album. Scott’s production is invisible yet perfect.
The album opens with the gorgeous ‘Take The Stage’, just Bibb on vocals and an acoustic in the foreground, some sublime slide courtesy of Robbie McIntosh, Glen Scott on ever so subtle percussion and Hammond organ.
Next track is completely different, ‘Walk Steady On’ has a sense of positivity, directness about it. A strong walking pace with classic Blues fell, cut through by a banjo & mandolin from Scott.
‘Everybody’s Got A Right’ has much more of a gospel feel with gorgeous choir vocals and McIntosh’s slide. A strong song.
Then we are back to Bibb at his absolute best, ‘Best I Can’ is just Bibb’s vocals and acoustic with a sweet string section underpinning him. Just Eric Bibb doing what he made his name by – no boasting, no chest beating, just a man saying this is all I got, I’m doing the best I can.
‘Make A Change’ is a strong call – “If you want to see a change in the world, make a change in you”
Every track is instantly recognizable as Eric Bibb and every track has strength and subtlety, 15 sublime little pearls, all individual and all leaving the listener with a warm smile
