Martyn Joseph – Songs for the Coming Home‏

The prolific singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph returns with his eighteenth studio album. Some would say that a kind of struggle would set in for someone who has been making solo music for nearly thirty years. But for this passionate musical talent, the struggle has never halted him before, and doesn’t even seem to appear in his new songs.

Like his past works, the themes of hope, love and religion are explored through his distinctive poetic voice. The album also features a range of effects and sounds from splashing waves to backing instruments that erupt to bring the listener into a state of euphoria.

The percussion in Beyond Us is crisp and the unsuspecting horns that bellow halfway through give the song an uplifting feel. The next track Let Yourself is a fragilely crafted acoustic ballad that soothes the listener’s worries. The lyrics are assuring and caring. The cellos, piano and flutes give the song a wonderful arrangement that is orchestral, but not overtly epic. The song is modest and genuine in its intentions.

Not A Good Time For God is a politically charged tune that has Joseph cleverly using the chorus to refer to God with a name that has recently been besmirched and misjudged. It is the most aggressive track on the whole album and demonstrates Joseph’s ability to adapt to his emotions, rather than contort them to his will, giving the listener the impression that he means what he says. Clara tells the story of a young man searching for love. Although a traditional theme for song writing, the lyrics branch out to incorporate elements of soul searching and moral conscience.

The final track Archive opens with the sound of raindrops and a gently picked acoustic guitar. Proving quite reflective and providing closure, it encapsulates the trip the listener has just taken through the mind of an artist who lays out his feelings almost effortlessly, with clarity and exquisite splendour.

Standout track – Archive

Rahul Bahal

Songs for the Coming Home is released on 1^st November 2012. For further information or to order the album visit Martyn Joseph’s website here.

Listen to the track Beyond Us here: