Mike Grogan
Album: Make Me Strong
Label: Poacher
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.mikegrogan.co.uk

"Make Me Strong" is as much a songbook as it is an album, but don't that to mean that this is a disjointed release far from it. It is an album with a real flow to it, one full of rich songs, some with a contemporary feel, others drawing on and/or highlighting figures from history.

Mike Grogan is based on the South Coast so it comes as no surprise that when he delves into the past, he should pick on figures that made their names in that region. One of which should be familiar to all of you, Nelson, who he imagines from the position of a sailor in one of his fleets. The other, John Pounds, should be known to all, but unfortunately probably isn't. Pounds was responsible for establishing the principle of raggedy schools, which gave rise to education for the poor. The principle reason for that lack of knowledge, John Pounds own working class back ground and lack of acknowledgement from the establishment.

"Black Dog" is often used as a code phrase for depression and that's the context that it's used in on the track of the same name. Depression is an illness that afflicts many, but admitting to it may well be career limiting so many shy away from owning up to it, aspects captured in this well penned song.

It's not just the lyrics that give "Make Me Strong" life. Mike Grogan, has assembled a strong core of musicians, including Phil Beer, Miranda Sykes, both from Show Of Hands, plus Phil Henry and Spencer Cozens to ensure that the melody does the words justice.

There are some more unusual songs topics included on the album, animals touched by war and another song about working girls, but all are delivered with thoughtful and thought provoking consideration.

This is a well written album, one that has songs at its heart. Any album that makes you think about the issues contained within whilst giving enjoyment are well worthy of praise and that's definitely the case here. Mike Grogan's "Make Me Strong" it's an easy one to recommend.

Neil King