The British aristocrat Todd Sharpville returns with his latest release, Porchlight. This double album is an impressive display of talent for the blue blooded musician. It covers a wide range of emotions and topic, dealing with the common issues of love and relationships to politics.
It is hard not to be lured into this album immediately with “If Love Is A Crime.” It is a wonderfully moody song that is like being in a smoke-filled bar. Also, I particularly enjoy the sound of his voice in this song. The opening is followed up by “Lousy Husband (But A Real Good Dad).” The body-swaying music is supported by serious lyrical subject matter. Sharpville handles it well. Also, keep your ears open for the guitar near the end. “Used” is another good song with a sweet beat to it.
Sharpville switches it up with “Can’t Stand The Crook.” The themes of love and relationship are abandoned in favor of politics. This fast-paced song is straight to the point like a shot to the gut. “Everything Will Be Alright” is a catchy song that has an almost hypnotic quality to the music, while Sharpville throws down some helpful advice about living. “Odd Feeling” brings the first CD to a close and “When The World Is Not Enough” starts the second one with a memorable opening.
“If It Ain’t Love What Is?” puts the focus back on relationships, but not in a happy way. This song is a depressing one about a highly dysfunctional relationship. “Legacy of Greed” is a gem of a song with a sullen tone. It has thoughtful lyrics and is my favorite song on the album. It is the kind of tune that can be listened to over and over again. “Whole Lotta Lady” is a fun song about wanting a full figured woman. “Misery” is an appropriately named song as the misery can be felt in the music.
Todd Sharpville sings the blues, but the music of Porchlight is genre defying. It transcends labels and appeals to more than just fans of the genre. This album is worth the risk of branching out and taking a chance on a different sound.
Key Tracks: If Love Is A Crime, Lousy Husband (But A Real Good Dad), Legacy of Greed
Brian McKinnon - Muzikreviews.com Staff
July 27, 2011
