The album opens with Something Beautiful, a song that seeks beauty and positivity and is a strong opening to a strong album. Lynn Miles is a productive artist whose last double album revisited songs in a solo capacity. Here she uses a full band under the direction and production of Ian Lefeuvre. It's one of those albums were songs, vocal and production come together to deliver something special. Miles delivers her songs with a strength and conviction that comes with experience and understanding. At this point in her career Miles is unlikely to be looking to sell albums in the millions but, realistically, is more concerned, as she states in her song Three Chords And The Truth - an oft-quoted phrase for real emotion - to express some emotional honesty with her music. She has succeeded. Lefeuvre has played a central role in achieving this with his role as producer and multi-instrumentalist. The musical settings allow Miles' voice plenty of room and space that is a much needed balance in a musical world were, all too often, both vocal and music are over wrought and over played. It is a voice at the top of it's game, clear and true. In an album full of highlights some songs deserve special mention including the touching and telling Cracked And Broken which speaks of the human need for love and connection and how it is not rewarded in kind. Vulnerability is central to Fearless Heart wherein the person in the song wishes that they had the courage of their convictions and hopes. But, in truth, it is easy to fall for the beauty that is on offer all over this latest installment in Lynn Miles music journey. It is one that is not only a career highlight but an album that I will return to often.
Lynn Miles 'Black Flowers (volumes 1-2)' True North
The convincing voice and the strong sons of Lynn Miles are the core of this album which features Miles accompanied only by her guitar or her piano playing on a set of new and old songs delivered in their rawest and purest setting highlighting the songs in the fashion that they were, doubtless, first conceived and played. The effect is that of listening to Miles in an intimate setting and hearing the songs in that light. There are 20 songs featured on the two CD which makes it a pleasurable listen for those acquainted with her music or those who like their songs of love, life and location straight up. Otherwise it may be a little too much for new listeners who may find any of her previous, well received and fuller sounding albums a better place to start but either way these songs testify to Miles' talent and her take on human traits. wwwlynnmilesmusic.com