Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Cross Rhythms radio listeners will have already been enjoying "Last Thing We Do" with its careering tempo and its infectious chorus "We're gonna try and make it better." Be assured, this is only one of many delights packed into an album which Americana maestro Drew is convinced is his finest work. Whether it's the sad reflection of life's troubles "Ain't Nobody Got It Easy", the Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers-influenced "Shine Like Lightning" or the paean to his wife "I've Got You" featuring whistling (which usually I can't abide) and Ellie's deft harmonies (which I adore), this is an album conceived by a master craftsman songsmith while the production and deft musicianship of his always empathetic Neighbors bring out all the warmth and pathos and sense of the wonder of the human experience that only a few songwriters ever touch. "Heartbreak" seems to exude the sights and atmosphere of small town life while "Sisters Brothers" is a heartfelt plea for unity delivered in a gospel shouting voice which would connect with fans of Ireland's Hozier. In a talk with Cross Rhythms earlier this year Drew spoke of an interview he'd done six months previously. "Someone asked me the question - kind of off the cuff - 'What is music for?' I thought that was a really great question. So I started thinking about my own life - the times of the most intense suffering and also the most joy. Music has been a great part of these moments, a great way to cope and a great way to celebrate. That's a great way to think about music - that's medicine." I suspect there are many who ae already taking daily doses of this particular concoction of medicine for the soul.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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