Full Review

Slaid Cleaves – Unsung

While known for some strong albums and some exceptional standout songs he’s taken a different approach for the release of Unsung and has released an album of songs from his favourite writers. Rather than covering well known artists and songs, he’s chosen tracks from relatively unknown writers and the majority (if not all) of the songs here will be new to most.

While the writer’s may be obscure, the songs are varied in style, deep and strong throughout with the characters in the lyrics being substantial and memorable.

Across the 13 tracks arrangements are fairly low key, acoustic guitars and organ is the main musical theme throughout, but there’s some excellent percussion, bass and cello to add depth and variety.

Being an album of specifically chosen songs you’d expect the quality to be high, and there isn’t a track here that disappoints, with the highlights being Karen Poston’s ‘Flowered Dresses’, Graham Weber’s ‘Oh Roberta’ and ‘Call it Sleep’ from the pen of Chris Montgomery.

Overall, the stories are moving and emotional in a similar to Cleaves’ own songs as they tell tales of ‘the average man’ and his daily struggles and triumphs.

‘Unsung’ is excellent, the songs are of the highest quality and Slaid has tackled them with sensitivity and grace – it’s understated but with a gritty edge. Highly recommended.