Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Belfast-based Brian Houston seems to be treading a parallel universe skipping between Christian releases (last album 'Jesus And Justice') and mainstream releases (last album 'Thirteen Days In August'). The patronage of Radio 2's respected Bob Harris isn't hurting and after he performed at Harris' 60th birthday party, the offers have been coming in. It's about time the wider world discovered his huge talents and 'Sugar Queen' will win him plenty of new fans. Mixing together various Irish and Americana influences, Houston's literate songwriting and knack for discovering the emotional heart of a story serve him well. A strong sense of unforgettable melodies does him no harm either! These days he tends towards the downbeat, so we get songs like "Red Badge Of Courage", the waltzing "Someday" and the touching "The Ballad Of Matthew Shepard". There are so many highlights here but I love it when the Van Morrison influences rear their heads like on "These Days" where the line "Girl you've a million moving mysteries in motion" is pure poetry. "Childish Things" is the one I've been playing the most on the radio where he gives a nod to Van the man in the last few moments of the song. The country feel of "A Woman's Touch" fits the plaintive nature of the song and "Chase The Devil" has some superb bluesy harmonica. In the last few years there's been a return to the supremacy of the singer/songwriter so maybe Houston's time has finally come and he can convert his "next big thing" potential into an actuality. It would be good to see him get the recognition he deserves.