Music > Album Reviews

Danny and the Champions of the World - What Kind Of Love

02/06/15

Sounding like a question, What Kind of Love, the fifth studio album from Danny & The Champions Of The World, is actually more akin to a soul odyssey, a relationship guide to love in all its forms – romantic, platonic, and familial.

Opening with Clear Water and its analogy to diving head first into a relationship, Danny Wilson takes us on a road-trip of memories, lessons and regrets, whilst setting out a mythical soundtrack to life's emotional roller-coaster. Precious Cargo explores the theme of long-distance separation; What Kind of Love, the title track, acknowledging past mistakes and misgivings; and Words On The Wind paving the way for a fresh start, a road to recovery for a broken heart.

Lifestyle advice is included in Just be Yourself and It'll Be Alright In The End, and the final optimism in The Sound Of A Train reveals a fire still burning on a journey of hope.

The result is a gorgeous slice of soul-infused country, with brassy trumpets and slide guitars vying for attention, and yet it is the candour and honesty of the songwriting that ultimately shines through. Danny's voice, as ever, simply bleeds passion throughout. A repertoire of songs all worthy of a dime in the jukebox and a shot of red-eye in the lost-love saloon.

As someone once sang, these are songs that remind you of the good times, and songs to remind you of the better times.

Oh, Danny Boy.

8/10