Tom McRae - All Maps Welcome

Another album that caught my eye/ear recently is by Suffolk singer/songwriter Tom McRae. Album opener 'For the restless' is definitely one of the stand-out tracks of the album. It has deep layers of strings, and haunting vocals combined with pizzicato that make for a moody ambience. "For the restless not the peaceful sleeper, this song's for you" sings Tom, which is a great personal introduction to his album (at least if you're a bit of an insomniac like myself!!)

The love song 'Humming bird' continues the mellow theme of the album (to which he dedicates to his own humming bird), and contains some lush harmonies. 'The girl who falls downstairs' is one of my favourites from the album and sees the return of some lovely strings and strong vocals.

The middle of the album unfortunately doesn't hold any of the strongest tracks, but never loses your interest. 'Silent Boulevard', one of my other favourites on the album, grabs your attention back and sees Tom get more passionate, with a great climatic chorus that you can't help but shout along with.

'Still Lost' slows it down again and soft lyrics "If i was to call would you come, oh my love when will you come to look for me, 'cos i'll still be lost" makes it a touching tune highlighting insecurities.

The final song 'Border Song', perhaps a song about a lost love "her eyes on fire, undressed to kill", is one of those beautiful tracks that makes you glad you listened right to the end of the album - not that you need an excuse anyway.

If you're looking for album to stick on, hit play and put your feet up for an hour this will fit the bill perfectly. A little darker overall than my last purchase from James Blunt, but it has rightly earned itself the position in my summer albums listening rota along with that and Jack Johnsons 'Inbetween Dreams'

tags: music tom mcrae