Review

Roachford: Twice In A Lifetime (BMG)

Enduring British singer-songwriter Andrew Roachford is back with a bang on this cracking collection of soul-inspired pop gems. There's a real old school feel about this album, peppered with lyrics pertaining to affairs of the heart. Opener "Hi On Love" pumps the good stuff out with its driving beat, followed by another corker "Love Remedy" but his time, guitar-driven…slinky as hell, as the vocalist spills his heart out.

The production changes from glossy to earthy with "Too Much To Lose" with its distinct Hi Records feel, making it my fave. He's not afraid of power ballads either, with the smokey Womackish "What We Had", it's a prescient piece of music for these strange times with UK soul queen Beverley Knight duetting. It's simply a real touch of class - well, what else would you expect from two of Britain's finest? Top stuff! And the slow-burning continues with the gospel groove of "Won't Think Twice". One thing that is obvious, is that Roachford's songwriting is bang on. There's a refreshing simplicity and his ear for a melody and hook hasn't diminished one iota. Heck, I remember seeing him whacking out "Cuddly Toy" at The Brixton Academy back in 1988! He is the Duracell bunny of soul! Lol.

This seasoned singer switches tack, as a touch of Madchester turns up on the groovetastic "Are You Satisfied" and the drummer gets let off the leash, offsetting the primal screams and yelps of his master - it's a top tune, to say the least, and a welcome touch is Roachford's acoustic tones on "You're The One". All in all, this is a polished and consummate effort that will satisfy his fans and gain him a plethora of new ones.
Words Emrys Baird