Graeme Clark
Album: Mr Understanding
Label: GCC
Tracks: 12
Website: www.graemeclark.co.uk

The first fruits of former Wet Wet Wet songwriter Clark's reinvention as a solo artist are expectedly well-crafted, musically and lyrically astute, produced with subtlety and delivered with feeling. There's no denying he knows his way around a hook and melody, invoking the commercial soul influences that underpinned the Wets' monumental success through the 80s and 90s. In fact, listen hard and it's not difficult to hear Marti Pellow's distinctive grin waiting in the wings, but perhaps these songs mean more in Clark's voice and not that of his erstwhile bandmate.

In terms of subject matter, the songs are world-weary missives from the frontline of the middle-aged rock star's emotional battleground on which alcoholism, relationships, family and experience have all left deep scars. Musically, there's nothing that's startlingly original, but plenty that's heartfelt, mature and expertly played.

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk