Justin Currie may be best known for his work as the lead singer for Modern Rock hitmakers Del Amitri, but his 2007 solo debut, “What Is Love For,” certainly turned a lot of heads as well. Nearly three years later comes his sophomore solo work, “The Great War,” an album sure to catch the ear of fans who prefer an intimate bent to their music.
The mid-tempo, thought provoking style of this record is established right away with the Vigilantes of Love-esque “A Man With Nothing to Do.” When coupled with the next song “Anywhere I’m Away From You,” a much bluesier number, and the poppier “Can’t Let Go of Her Now,” fans will be reminded of how wonderful Del Amitri was without being beaten down by a rehash of copycat material. “The Way That It Falls” is a certain highlight as well. Currie’s voice shines on this one, sounding desperate and hopeful all at once and really drawing the listener into the song fully. The orchestration really beefs up the song in a good way, without overpowering the powerful lyrics.
Not every song here is great but there are no real stinkers either and that’s saying a lot these days. Currie does a great job here of not alienating Del Amitri fans but also not catering to them. The best part of this record in my opinion is the fact that this is very much a record and should be listened to as such. It is far from the string of singles we call records these days. Fans that enjoy thought provoking and musically interesting albums will find a lot to love on “The Great War.”
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
