Charlie Simpson – Long Road Home

After leaving Fightstar and refusing to be a part of McBusted, Charlie Simpson has returned to the music scene with his second solo album, Long Road Home. Some would deem this attempt to be unwise, considering the disappointment of his 2011 flop, Young Pilgrim. However, Long Road Home is something entirely different and may just be the album to finally kick-start Simpson’s solo career – and it’s about time too.

For all intents and purposes the album is very conventional to the indie-rock genre, but with Simpson’s distinctive voice this bodes tremendously well for his music. Winter Hymns is the perfect example, merging simple instrumental finesse with heart-warming lyrics, sung with genuine passion. The same can be said for Forty Thieves, which is another equally slow and intimate track. It’s a sensation to listen to such stripped-back and raw music, and you certainly learn a lot more about the mysterious artist from these two songs.

Other notable offerings on the album are Haunted, and the title-track, Long Road Home – both of which create individual melodies that are catchy, upbeat and showcase Simpson’s natural talent to a whole new level. The same can also be said for Comets, which is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the record.

Its been a long and arduous journey for Charlie Simpson, and at times it appears that he’s been struggling to reap the benefits from his ordeal. But Long Road Home is the album that could change all of that and give him the recognition that he has indisputably earned. Although it is far from being perfect, it has redeeming qualities and does exactly what it’s supposed to: it captivates its audience! Refusing to join McBusted could be the wisest decision that Simpson has ever made; but time will ultimately tell.

Keira Trethowan

Long Road Home was released on 4^th August 2014, to order the album visit here.

Watch the video for Haunted here: