Nigel Brown
Album: World On Fire
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.nigelbrownmusic.com

From a reviewing point of view "World On Fire" has proved to be a curious item. On the first play through there wasn't a lot that stood out to impress. Nigel Brown came across as an ok vocalist and whilst there is nothing inherently wrong with his songwriting ability, the album really did nothing for me.

As regular readers will know, I really don't like doing negative reviews, life as a musician is tough enough without someone saying that your work stinks, even if it's a subjective opinion. This album certainly wasn't bad, it just didn't seem to have a sense of occasion not so much waving flags from the battlements proclaiming a grandness, more a quiet wave from the crowd.

It was pretty much the same on the second run through until I reached the seventh track, "Goodbye My Friend" then suddenly there was a flashing light moment and I found myself thinking about "World On Fire" in quite a different way, so I went back to the start and listened to quite a different album.

This is not an album for the I want it all and I want it now crowd, I've got albums like that and I've got bored of them after a couple of listens. This is good book territory take some time to sit down and give it a good listen and you'll find yourself relating to a bunch of songs that whilst deliberately understated deliver a quietly considered perspective, a slow burn rather than a flash bang.

There is a sense that the album is having a conversation with you, then you become more aware of the guitar licks, a rockier feel seems to make its self felt and gradually you realise that there's a really good arranger at work here as well as songwriter.

Consequently I find I can recommend "World On Fire" without hesitation, something I didn't think I'd be able to do on first listen.

Neil King