Reviews (page 3 of 8)
Jazzy, light and sometimes complex. I enjoyed listening to this album. It is an interesting idea that has been done to death in the past, but uncommon for 2005. I really enjoyed The Ocean and Coles Corner. The Rockabilly and Country songs were enjoyable but not as interesting.
I’ve always liked this album, his sound, and everything he puts into the production. I’m a sucker for The Ocean’s overall delivery.
приятная музычка.
At first, I was unsure, but I listened to it several times and ended up really loving it
At times it sounds like a cross between morrisey solo and roy orbison. I enjoy a lot of the background sounds. Good use of different instruments Hotel Room is proper good. As is The Ocean. Great build up. This one gets better and better. I really like alot of the simple lead guitar lines I think this might just scratch a 4.
i kinda love this his voice is very soothing
Oh, a nice classic crooning! Haven't listened to a Richard Hawley album, although heard a lot about him, and heard some collabs. Not really my thing, but if the mood is right, why not.
I had never heard of Hawley before, but this record is quite charming. His voice is great.
- Another introduction to an artist I had not encountered up until this project & exactly why I signed up in the first place. It's not a perfect record but it's pretty damn good. Sincere, high quality, personal. I'll checking out the remainder of his output as well. -
2005. early rock & roll and rockabilly, country, traces of the vintage-'40s pop, jazz. 8/10 The Ocean
I liked this a lot more than I expected. It was a nice mix of Sinatra and a bit of Johnny Cash. I liked his voice and thought it all came together nicely. Maybe it’s just because I’m a fan of those old times crooners that this is trying to emulate but I quite enjoyed it!
Excellent work
Wikipedia states it, but I was thinking it before I read the article. Richard Hawley has a great record collection. On first listen I'm getting Marc Almond, Edwyn Collins, maybe some Walker Brothers? Defo some Roy Orbison in there, both in presentation and delivery. Measured singing with immaculate songwriting with themes of loss and love.
I had never heard this one before. I really enjoyed it. It has a very smooth easy listening feel to it. It has a bit of an older feel to it for being released in 2005. Album stand outs for me were Just Like the Rain, Born Under A Bad Sign and Tonight.
Really nice music and great vocals!
Starts out with a song that has syrupy vocals and even more syrupy string arrangements. The high dosage of sugar is not a good start for me. the next song, Just like the Rain has a lighter tasting arrangement with a pleasant country swing and much much more to my liking. Hawley has a classic crooner's voice, at times reminding me of Elvis Presley's way with a ballad, which is very much on display on the fourth song; Darlin' Wait For Me. Thankfully the over the top strings have yet to re-appear. Here In My Arms is another pleasant country tinged ballad that features some gorgeous slide guitar giving it a bit of a Hawaiin feel. The beautiful music continues throughout the rest of the album. Pleasantly beautiful adult contemporary pop music that is chock full of beautiful melodies and smooth arrangements that suit Hawley's gentle vocal performance. Highlights besides those mentioned; I sleep Alone, (Wading Through) The Waters of My Time and my favorite; Who's Going to Shoe Your Pretty Feet. The album closes with a beautiful instrumental; Last Orders. This is an accomplished album that has a nostalgic feel, but is modern enough to not feel cloying. 4 Stars
4/5. Dang, I'm a sucker for this music. I understand this can be a cliche genre but it's not quite soft rock, like a lot of singer songwriters popped up around this time. It really does feel like it could be from the 40's and 50's which is impressive to replicate so well and being completely unironic in its creation. I feel the yearning love in each song, something that's harder to find nowadays. Yes, it does get a little familiar as the album goes on but I do enjoy it for what it is. Best Song: Coles Corner, Just Like The Rain, The Ocean
Richard Hawley's voice is great at filling the room. It almost feels like he is singing in a cathedral, aided by the production. The instruments are are kept to a minimum but seem to come in at the perfect time, kind of reminds me of Leonard Cohen's later albums in that way. This was a surprisingly pleasant listen even if it sometimes bordered a bit on boring, especially at the end.
Det här är riktigt bra alltså, han har en fantastisk känsla som gör att det inte inte blir störig jazz, blues, swing, pop eller vilken annan stil låten har. Det känns som han har 1000 % fingertoppskänsla i det här. Skulle bara vara någon låt kortare så hade det lätt varit en femma. nu är det sinnessjukt stark fyra.
Nice pensive voice and mood. Wish I would've listened in the evening, or better yet at dusk, to really set a proper mood. Didn't think too much would stick with me, but now that it's stopped I want his voice to keep going, even if 'The Ocean' repeats those words a lot, and "papa's going to kiss those Ruby red lips" is a bit odd.
The Ocean really got me. I was driving in a light rain and it just had a really beautiful energy for the moment. This feels thoughtful. This is either a strong 3 or weak 4 for me. I think it got me on a good day. For sure better on speakers by yourself or headphones. I liked the listen.
Did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Very talented, his voice has it. It didn't blow me away, but this is a very solid album. I liked the tracks I Sleep Alone and Tonight.
I got A Short Album About Love by The Divine Comedy recently, another 90s/2000s neo-crooner album from this side of the Atlantic. I was unfamiliar with Richard Hawley as a solo artist, while I knew some Divine Comedy stuff. The full-on sincerity of this album compared to the tongue-in-cheek quality of that album works much better for me. Hawley's voice is great, Sinatra crossed with Johnny Cash as others have said. The country elements also fit in nicely, and I love an ambient final song (some of my favourite albums, like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and Manning Fireworks end similarly, and both are somewhat country tinged...) This is a great discovery for me, and although I don't think it is one of the 1001 essential albums in music history, it's a great album.
This is very pleasant 3.5 stars
Loved this
I haven't heard about this artist before so I was curious to hear what album it is, because I like chamber pop/soft pop if it's well done. I wasn't disappointed, this album has a completely unique atmosphere and vibe which I like a lot. And his voice is really lovely. Overall the songs may not be very memorable but it works well as an album throughout.
Low reviews made me dread this a bit, but it turned out to be quite a lovely album. Relaxing pop/country vibe with a voice that sounds older than it is. Gives a Johnny Cash vibe, maybe Elvis in places, ‘Born under a Bad Sign’ sounded a bit like Morrissey too. 3.75/5 super chill and nice sounds
he has a fine voice
Smooth voice that doesn't venture far from the 'sweet spot' and that is a sign of a good singer... not needing special post production help to smooth it out.
Beautiful Yorkshire crooning
Surprisingly superb and well balanced album. From slow, orchestral coroners to energetic, jangly Country-inspired songs, each track has a wealth of breathing space to relax and enjoy the textures. Hawley's vocals are superb in baritone grit. This is a time vessel of ageless songs. Best Tracks: - Just Like The Rain - The Ocean - I Sleep Alone Worst Tracks: - (Wading Through) The Waters Of My Time Rating: 8.5/10
Good music for a late night
Liked it more than I thought I would guess my bf is rubbing off on me. Nice bus ride through the city music. Fav songs Title track, Hotel room
Really enjoyed this one b4 valentines
Reminded me a lot of Johnny Cash's American IV The Man Comes Around. Baritone vocals and a very melancholic vibe. Lyrics are quite contemplative in places too (e.g. Waters of My Time) The tracks with the strings are the highlights for me (title track and The Ocean), very beautiful songs. Not sure the rest is hugely remarkable but I'll give it 4* as I would certainly revisit this
This is a very pleasant listen. It’s kind of a new take Orbison and late 50s teen ballads.
been listening to him for ages and still think he's very underrated. best to listen to on a slightly cool summer evening 🙂↕️
A gentle and beautiful piece of work.
I knew nothing about this album, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was a cool stripped down vibe. Easy going heartbreak
oh wow, richard hawley overdelivers nüt erwartet aber de richi hed da wüki ganz en schöni stimmig uf's parkett projeziert 4 shoes for your pretty feet
Cute
A charming collection of ballads. It's a light record, but tracks like "Hotel Room" are really sweet. Is it an absolutely essential listen? I don't know, but I enjoyed it enough to revisit.
Unexpectedly liked this. Chill, would be good background while having a drink. A couple of the tracks in the middle were meh, but overall a pretty good listen!
hadn't heard of it. Really liked it.
## In-Depth Review of *Coles Corner* by Richard Hawley Richard Hawley's *Coles Corner*, released in 2005, is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and nostalgia, encapsulated in a lush soundscape that draws heavily from the musical traditions of the past. This album stands as a testament to Hawley's artistry, showcasing his ability to weave intricate narratives through his lyrics while enveloping them in rich musical arrangements. Below is an in-depth examination of the album, focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrical content of *Coles Corner* is deeply reflective and imbued with a sense of melancholy. Hawley's songwriting often captures fleeting moments of beauty and sorrow, inviting listeners into a world filled with emotional depth. - **Themes of Nostalgia and Loss**: The title track, "Coles Corner," serves as a metaphor for longing and connection. It evokes a sense of place—a corner in Sheffield where people gather—symbolizing the intersections of lives and memories. The lyrics express a yearning for past encounters and the bittersweet nature of reminiscence. - **Intimacy and Vulnerability**: Songs like "The Ocean" and "Hotel Room" delve into personal relationships, exploring themes of intimacy and the complexities of love. Hawley’s lyrics convey vulnerability without descending into self-pity; instead, they resonate with universal truths about human connections. - **Imagery and Emotion**: Hawley employs vivid imagery throughout his songs. Lines such as “Don’t need no valentines, no no / Don’t need no roses” evoke strong emotional responses while painting a picture of heartache and acceptance. ### Music Musically, *Coles Corner* is a rich tapestry that blends various genres while maintaining a cohesive sound. - **Instrumentation**: The album features lush orchestration with strings that add depth to Hawley’s baritone voice. Tracks like "Just Like the Rain" showcase his ability to merge rockabilly influences with contemporary arrangements. - **Vocal Delivery**: Hawley's voice is central to the album's appeal. His smooth baritone carries an emotional weight that enhances the lyrical content. The way he croons through songs like "Wait For Me" echoes classic crooners while retaining a modern sensibility. - **Production Quality**: The production on *Coles Corner* is elegant and understated, allowing the music to breathe. The arrangements are spacious yet intimate, creating an inviting atmosphere for listeners. Colin Elliot’s production work complements Hawley’s vision perfectly, making each track feel like a carefully crafted vignette. ### Themes The overarching themes in *Coles Corner* revolve around love, nostalgia, and the passage of time. - **Love and Heartbreak**: Many tracks explore the complexities of romantic relationships—both their joys and their inevitable sorrows. The album captures the essence of love's transient nature, reflecting on how moments can be both beautiful and painful. - **Sense of Place**: The titular Coles Corner represents not just a physical location but also an emotional one—a space where memories are made and lost. This theme resonates throughout the album as Hawley reflects on his roots in Sheffield. - **Melancholy with Hope**: While many songs carry a melancholic tone, there is an underlying sense of hope that permeates the album. This duality makes it relatable; listeners can find comfort in shared experiences of love and loss. ### Influence Richard Hawley draws heavily from the musical traditions of rock ‘n’ roll, country, and pop from past decades. His influences are evident throughout *Coles Corner*: - **Classic Influences**: The sound harkens back to artists like Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley, with orchestral arrangements reminiscent of Scott Walker’s work. This retro influence allows Hawley to create music that feels both timeless and contemporary. - **Emotional Resonance**: By channeling these influences through his own lens, Hawley crafts songs that resonate emotionally with listeners across generations. His ability to evoke nostalgia while addressing modern themes speaks to his skill as a songwriter. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Lyrical Depth**: The album features profound lyrics that resonate emotionally with listeners. - **Rich Arrangements**: The orchestration enhances the listening experience without overshadowing Hawley’s voice. - **Timeless Sound**: Blending vintage influences with contemporary sensibilities creates a unique sound that appeals to diverse audiences. #### Cons - **Pacing Issues**: Some tracks may feel slow or meandering for listeners seeking more upbeat tempos. - **Niche Appeal**: The melancholic themes might not resonate with everyone; those preferring more energetic music may find it lacking. - **Repetitive Elements**: Certain musical motifs recur throughout the album, which may lead to predictability for some listeners. ### Conclusion Richard Hawley's *Coles Corner* stands as a remarkable achievement in contemporary music. With its blend of introspective lyrics, lush instrumentation, and timeless influences, it offers listeners an immersive experience that invites reflection on love and memory. While its pacing may not appeal to all tastes, those who appreciate emotional depth will find this album to be a treasure trove of beautifully crafted songs that linger long after listening.
I'm surprised but I really liked this. I went from "nah" to "it's really competent but not for me" to "I should check out more of his catalog". I don't even know who I am anymore.
I enjoyed this a lot. Perfect to listen to sitting by a fire with a glass of bourbon.
Super smooth, great voice
4-
I want to re listen to this at some end of day.... Would definitely relax me
This wasn’t at all what I was expecting (not that I had any idea - I guess I just default to an assumption of generic rock, lol); it was really gentle and pleasant. Seems like the kind of thing you’d listen to to fall asleep. A little twee, maybe, but it hit right tonight. 3-4
7/10
Beautiful. Perfect album for a cold Winter evening.
Rather lovely
Nice.
Super chill and easy listenin
I remember when this came out- very retro but so comforting to listen to. Such a nice easy listen.
Good chill
Easy listening to a T. I'm reminded of Leonard Cohen but likeable.
Hat mir Mega Spaß gemacht. Ich in schweres Album, passt gut in den Winter. Ocean geiler Song
I had zero expectations going in, but it's actually a delightful album. Hawley's influences are on his sleeve here, and it's a hodgepodge of 50s and 60s pre-hippie traditions. You can feel it from the opening croon. It's by no means perfect all the way through, but it's suitably unique, and I have to have some respect for it. Fav tracks: Coles Corner, Just Like the Rain, The Ocean
Like an album from the 50s but recorded in 2015
Wait, this was created in THIS millenium? Not in the 1950s? Gorgeous and overpowered, expansive over many genres. Richard's voice doesn't quite match the power of the music. We need Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash or Elvis. Still, it works and it is lovely. 4/5
I looked it a lot. Matched my tender mood.
rakastelijapoika.. nörttipoika.. pikku lasipäinen nörtti hehehh... pikkuvauvva. lilliputti.. rakastelijapoika.. nörttipoika.. pikku lasipäinen nörtti hehehh... pikkuvauvva. lilliputti.. rakastelijapoika.. nörttipoika.. pikku lasipäinen nörtti hehehh... pikkuvauvva. lilliputti.. rakastelijapoika.. nörttipoika.. pikku lasipäinen nörtti hehehh... pikkuvauvva. lilliputti.. rakastelijapoika.. nörttipoika.. pikku lasipäinen nörtti hehehh... pikkuvauvva. lilliputti.. rakastelijapoika.. nörttipoika.. pikku lasipäinen nörtti hehehh... pikkuvauvva. lilliputti.. last orders
Interessante Rock/Pop Mischung. Die Texte höre ich nochmal in einer ruhigen Stunde an. Macht einen guten Eidnruck. 4/5
Country sabrosísimo y emocionante. Temazos super cool, y esa canción de The Ocean lleva el disco a la gloria. Padrísimo.
This was a bit of a surprise. As the first song started i was expecting a whole album of crooning in the vein of Frank Sinatra and similar artists. Which would be rather boring while one walks the 23 acres of production buildings to make sure all the mechanical equipment is working. So the rockabilly sounds were a nice surprise.
It was good , not sure why i never heard of him
Surpassed my expectations. 2000's production really does something to these type of music, yeah?
This really surprised me and I don’t hate it.
My my, three good albums in a row! Favourite track was Born Under A Bad Sign, but everything was pleasant enough
Enjoyed this, it just had a lovely vibe to it. He was briefly a member of Pulp as well, so that helps. Simpsons: No
Excellent vocal pop.
Haters in the reviews, I like this album 4/5
If would have never expected this kind of music when I read about the artist. But while onlookers at the pictures it all makes sense. Old Frank Sinatra, country, rockabilly and many other styles influenced this masterpiece.
Retro and cool. Not something I’d listen to again probably but this was interesting and I heard a lot of Frank Sinatra in here.
This is a moody, beautiful album. Hawley's soft voice and lyrics paint images of lovely quiet moments. Perfect album for a rainy day like today.
Cozy & loungey. Can envision sitting in the front room reading to this.
This album sounds like if Roy Orbison and Elvis Costello had a kid and that kid lost their wife to Conway Twitty. Meaning, I loved it.
It's like wandering into a bar in the southern US, and finding a sad, semi-pathetic looking man singing heartbreaking ballads. I am in the exact right headspace for this today, and would gladly pound whiskey and beer, and get teary-eyed listening to this man in that bar. It goes a little country on a few tunes, but remains pretty pop-ballad heavy. It's pretty. I think it can be described a bit as "one note" and occasionally takes some residency in the background, but I did enjoy it while I was here. Favorite tracks: "Darlin' Wait For Me", "The Ocean", "Last Orders"
Very mellow and enjoyable
The Ocean is beautiful 3.5
beautiful
This guy is criminally underrated. The commitment to be what he is (and how old he is), and to explore old-fashioned musical styles (and risk sentimentality in doing so) is impressive enough. But the results are authentic and gorgeous, and cohere absolutelty. The opener tells you you’re in another time and place (with Orbison and David Lynch vibles) and “The Ocean” is rock/pop as its most emotionally powerful, and a deep personal fave. “Hotel Room” and “Born Under a Bad Sign” are also great and the closer is legitimately haunting – ghostly and evocative. I rate True Love’s Gutter, which is similarly melancholic, even more highly. 4.5, just short of a 5.
find die erste songs beidi huuuuere schööön. sejr guete countrypop. tönt irgendwie sehr amerikanisch obwohler hert brit isch. hotel room het uuultra schöni slide gitarre wooow the ocean findi chli weniger packend born under a bad sign gfallt mer wieder meh, super wohlig und schöni sounds. han afoch gern schöni gitarretön. i sleep alone isch au wieder uuuultra schön. ooohyeah wenn s schlagzüg inechunt boooah ich liebs? wäh füess lied fuesstime wäh. schöne song. ich bin seeeeeehr überrascht gsi ab dem album. aber positiv. s het längene drin aber wenns funktioniert ischs huuuuuere schön. i sleep alone hani als highlight empfunde. VIEEEEEEER
hahahaha hä voll vergesse?? omg wie schön ich brüell just like the rain echli dramatisch und schnulzig aber uhuere schön poah bin so ide mood für so musig wauwii ahh das isch vo 2005 hahahah ahh ich schmilz darlin wait for me isch jz chli zu langsam gsi hahaha hä ich han scho es lied vom gspeicheret lol guet gmacht vergangeheits-sevi verstahn wiso ocean s berüehmtiste isch, het mich chli an sinatra erinneret? born under a bad sign het chli en schlaflied rhythmus gha cute I sleep alone jäää rhe waters of my time heter chli de elvis presley hall druff hahaha ja es zieht sich wiedermal echli leider cools outro I guess? allgemein aber sehrsehr schöns album, sehr smooth, chli schnulzig aber huere schö
This one needs to be enjoyed in a cozy environment. It improved greatly in the second listen at home
At the beginning of the album, I was ready to write it off as boring. But the style and his voice really grew on me. By the time I got to The Ocean, and I heard the emotion in his voice, I realized I was wrong. At the end, I considered giving this a 5. But I'm not sure the album as a whole deserved a perfect score. I'll definitely listen more and look up his other stuff
I thought it started off a bit slow but by the end of it I was fully captivated by this love letter to an older era of music.
3.7
Lovely album. The Ocean is out of this world, phenomenal track.
I like this quite a lot. Sedate and soulful
Songwriting-wise there's a lot of Rod McKuen-vibes mixed with Scott Walker-esque vocals. He ranges in sound from classic 60's pop to indie to Brill Building to country and even an ambient at the end for good measure. This feels so iconic I couldn't place the era initially. Really impressed by this one and will be digging into it more!
Wow. I wasn't expecting that. Very comfy listening. Will check out more of his work.
Shocked by how beautiful this is. A couple songs drag, but I’m glad this entered my life
Who knew we needed a deep baritone with a soulful northern voice, a penchant for sweeping strings and a sense of magnificent melancholy. Never used to better effect than on the title track and the Ocean, Hawley crafts a classic out of fifties crooner styles, Northern grit and lyrics that send him out into the rain one more time in search of love.
A pretty good easier listening album.
Buena voz. Cantante melódico moderno. Piano. Bastante bonito el disco. Un 4 le voy a dar.
Wanders between operatic/orchestral, pop, and roots rock
I did appreciate this album and its retro charm even if I didn’t love it.
It didn't thrill me, but it was nice.
Definitely revisiting this album
Richard Hawley unquestionably wears his Scott Walker via Jarvis Cocker influences on his sleeve but he does it's so well. Dreamy pop ballads the feel like you are flying through a cloud.
The only Richard Hawley song that I know is "Tonight The Streets are Ours", which is from the album after this one. I like his sound, very classic but done very well.
First 3/4 of this album is spectacular! Starts to wind down too early. Gets a little boring. Would have been better with maybe 2-3 less tracks. Still great though 4.2
I absolutely adore Hotel Room and how it taps into an early 60s crooned ballad format. So pretty. I feel a similar way about The Ocean. The orchestral flourishes are really nice and make a very pretty atmosphere. All around this reminds me a bit of Father John Misty in the prettiness of it all. I think there are some really high points, but I think a lot of this falls into a space where I enjoy it, but wouldn't choose it of my own right very often. A pretty and enjoyable album to be sure, so I'll give it a 4 / 5, but I doubt I'll be back.
This dude is interesting, english guy but the album sounds like old western twang feel almost mixed with Johnny Cash. Weird that on his wikipedia the genre in indie pop. The album overall was easy to listen to and not bad to put headphones on at work. I enjoyed it. 4 stars for me.
This dude was on some Arctic Monkey songs! Honestly the Arctic Monkeys are turning into him based on this album a la The Car and Tranquility Base Hotel. He was also a guest vocalist on that Elbow album I loved. Such a soothing voice. Really was digging most until Wading Through the Waters kinda threw me for a loop as everything seemed so crisp before that. This was a strong 4 the whole way until the end there, which I debated knocking down to a 3, but the spaciness of the last track reminded me of some Radiohead so low 4 it is.
This one is going to be heavily dependent on mood when listening. I happened to be in the mood for a kind of softer toned, downbeat record so this worked quite well. File under: sad jazz
Interesting. A good album. Full of rich vocal tones.
I knew the ocean for a long time but not the artist or the album. I really enjoyed it, the deep voice and the quite landscape-y lyrics go so well together, he really paints a picture. It was simple and lovely but I wasn’t thrilled by many of the songs, 3.5
Beautiful.
I was actually pretty surprised here, a musician who made melodies not noise; and sang lyrics not gibberish, and in a smooth deep resonant tone. And in the 21st century!!! This is a man outta time clearly.
IDK if it's just me, but I love these sorts of albums where it's just one man and his instruments. This one gives me the feeling of a private performance in a club where it's just you and some other guests just being mesmerized by the artist.
It’s a very nice 3 that I'll round up to a 4. I really enjoyed this, honestly; I think what’s here makes for a great listen, there’s about 6 tracks that properly caught my ear in a captivating way, but the other 5 or so just sort of exist in a way that were only made for casual listening, at least to me. I thought the last track being fully instrumental was a bit baffling. Regardless though, this album evokes so much of that 50s/60s country sound that I tend to have a bias towards, and I thought it really faithfully captured a lot of its production quirks in a way that made the whole album feel authentically done and with a lot of respect towards that era. Hence, the round-up.
really enjoyed it, had never heard of him but was relaxing and a pleasant listen
Enjoyed
muy piola
An Englishman with the intonation of Johnny Cash and the crooned melodies of Bacharach. Gorgeously gravelly adult contemporary pop with some real feel and emotion behind it. Surprisingly enjoyable on a mellow sort of night, though obviously not the most upbeat of music. Thoroughly good. The ending, though, might drift you off to sleep~
Where's this been all of my life? This is a goddamn beautiful pop album.
This album feels like an odd mix of Frank Sinatra's In the Wee Small Hours, a bit of Morrissey and Timber Timbre + country elements. It's a nice concept album about the lonely people of the night but it is a bit too long. As with most of concept albums like this, less would be more to keep the style over time.
Had no idea the guitarist from Pulp was a solo artist. I enjoyed this album, took many songs for playlists and plan to listen to this again. Very much enjoyed it.
Good album. Not the kind of music I like, though
I had never heard of this artist before, so I had zero expectations. It was very pleasant! I think it's interesting to combine jazz and county on the same album—a combination I never really thought of before. It brought forward feelings of nostalga and a little tinge of heartache—like I was a grandparent sitting with a grandchild, relaxing, in a cottage looking out over the ocean.
The music is chill and I like his voice a lot. It soothes me.
this album is amazing. its full of songs that deal with heartbreak and love in general. the first few tracks really set the tone for the rest of the album and does it perfectly.
Beautiful album. Really took me away. It is so peaceful. Not my absolute favourite but it deserves praise
Sweet melancholy
I really liked about 80% of this album. Got a little too country for me at the end, but the rest was great
Endearing and charming.
Better than I was expecting, I had no idea how this would sound and I was pleasantly surprised I liked it. Kind of a retro crooner style with a modern Brit-pop take and for the most part is successful, the songs are interesting and they create a mood and atmosphere that suits the music. Worth the listen.
Coles Corner, The Ocean, I Sleep Alone, and Last Orders are really wonderful. I listened this album four times in one day. I could see it growing on me even more. Loved it. 4.5/5
Burt Bacharach!? Elvis Costello!? Nope! It’s a guy who’s been in a couple of bands you’ve heard of! Glib kidding aside, I actually really liked this album. It may cover some well-worn territory, but it does it effectively and convincingly. Maybe not surprising when you look at the bands he’s been associated with. I did not know Richard Hawley before, but he’s on my radar now - especially since he appears to still be releasing new work.
Totally cinematic in it's production which makes it actually very absorbing
Great music. Great music. Doesn’t get enough credit for his music.
Sounded like some good old fashioned country music. I would have never guessed he is British as he captured Americana sound. Was pleasant to listen to....will keep him in my playlist.
Actually really enjoyed this one while doing a puzzle yesterday morning. A real crooner that sounds like it comes from earlier decades. Wild that this came out 2005! Very soothing and calm tracks, Michael Buble probably took major inspo from this guy, but way more gimmicky in my opinion. Would consider checking out more of Hawley's discography for rainy days or just lazy days lounging at home.
Loved the vibes. Will never remember his name! Ha
I’ve never heard him before. I like his style and the mellowness of his music.
* Only the first song but his voice is buttery smooth. Love the violin (?) in the background. * Getting diet Frank Sinatra vibes from him two songs in. Not a bad thing. * Have I heard The Ocean before? I think so? * Tonight is the first song I actually dislike on this album, which is impressive. Everything else is, for the most part, enjoyable to listen to. * It almost sounds like a train whistle towards the end of (Wading Through) The Waters of My Time. Mentioned Frank Sinatra before but that song he sounds a bit like Johnny Cash. * That top 4 is tough. I like all 4 of them a bunch. Don't know where to put (Wading Through) The Waters of My Time at. I really like that one and it speaks to me but so does Coles Corner. What gets top spot? Sigh. Whatever I decide, I think it could honestly go in several different directions depending on the day, maybe even on the minute. * It's weird, I genuinely liked nearly every number on this album... and yet, I find myself hesitating to rate it 5 stars. Towards the back half of the album, there were a few whiffs. Not major but just enough, maybe? Maybe it's because nothing really wowed me, even though I enjoyed it overall? Idk. Probably the album I've liked the most from beginning to end so far. * The most normal sounding album so far, which is fine by me. Nice to have a relatively basic album after the previous days' more stylistic ones. * There was a good while there where I thought I'd end up ranking the songs exactly how the album had them listed already, which felt kinda bad but would've made things a bit quicker for me. Eventually, I did switch it up some though. -- Album Rankings -- 1. (Wading Through) The Waters of My Time 2. Coles Corner 3. Just Like the Rain 4. Hotel Room 5. The Ocean 6. I Sleep Alone 7. Darlin' Wait for Me 8. Born Under a Bad Sign 9. Who's Going to Shoe Your Pretty Feet 10. Tonight 11. Last Orders
This is the music that you listen to in a high rise with a glass of wine in your hand and your partner pulls you into dance. I love this type of music, it kind of felt nostalgic for easy going music in maybe the 50s?
Same style as Leonard Cohen
first listen nuanced with a lot of quiet lovely moments
It's decent. Beautiful at times
Peaceful and enjoyable album. Great for rainy day mornings or chilly sunsets.
Britpop-turned-fancy! It's actually a gorgeous album through and through. Moments like The Ocean make this extraordinarily moving. The pop conventions are almost certainly borrowed from britpop, but the chamber and ambient instrumentation elevates it. Even the twangs of country influence feel earned as Hawley's wit plays through the lyrics. I enjoyed this!
pretty good all the way through. the second to last song i didn’t like at all but that was the only one. good vibes and i love when an album is just a bunch of songs each telling its own story. i hope to make an album like that one day
Frábær plata. Elska röddina hans Hawley. Coles corner og The ocean eru mögnuð lög.
Cool style.
Mezcla de estilo de Elvis, Sinatra, etc. cantado en la actualidad. Un 4.
Buena voz. Cantante melódico moderno. Piano. Bastante bonito el disco. Un 4 le voy a dar.
its good stuff.... i have never heard of him before
Wasn't familiar with this one at all. I looked him up on wikipedia and - he was in Longpigs, who had a song back in the 90s called On and On that I used to really like. Anyway, I thought this was really good. Definitely something I would re-visit.
hard to believe he wrote some of these songs, they seem like eternal standards
Song writing won me over. Very reminiscent of Johnny Cash.
Enjoyable!
Never heard of this guy but it was a pretty solid album. Need to be in a specific mood for it though.
Nice
easy listening, would listen to again, easily one of the best I've listened to in this journey.
Nice mellow album! Did not know this guy used to play in Pulp. While I like the styles and overall playing, it does become a bit stale after a while. 7 out of 10
"the ocean" is really friggin good go give that one a spin. really pleased overall with this album! i liked the album cover, however i decided to keep my expectations low. but even if i raised them high this still would've matched them. well worth your time.
I can definitely get down with this melancholic, sad cowboy, “Keep the whiskey coming, barkeep,” type shit.
This was so pleasant and cool. Full of torch songs and often reminded me of Scott Walker or Johnny Cash's American Recordings. Great recommendation.
The atmosphere and the vocals go hand in hand on this one. 'The Ocean' has been stuck in my mind the last 5 years, and I don't think it will ever unstuck.
I was only aware of Richard Hawley by name so this really hit me out of nowhere. Beautifully composed and atmospheric - Hawley’s vocals and his melodies really go together like bread and butter. Minus one star for not bothering shooting the album cover photo at the actual Coles Corner. Lazy much?
The first half of the album makes me feel like I'm happily strolling down the street, mingling with friends, kissing my wife, etc. in a Hallmark movie montage. It slows down a little in the back half and took me to more of a Better Call Saul episode black and white opening scene. With the early songs strumming in the background of my head, somewhere about halfway through "The Waters of My Time" it struck me that if John Mayer and Johnny Cash had a musically talented British love child, he might sound a lot like Richard Hawley. There's nothing particularly revolutionary about this album, but it's good listening.
It's a 3.5 star album, but a 4 star artist for me. It's great mood music for the fall and I love the vibes.
This is lovely record - proper croonery. Favourite tracks: Coles Corner, Born Under A Bad Sign, Just Like The Rain, Last Orders.
Only know one track off this album but the whole thing is great. Beautiful, classy, easy listening from start to finish.
Absolutely delightful
3.5/5
I have never before listened to Richard Hawley. It’s quite a surprise to hear a voice recorded in this century but so clearly rooted in the last. That’s fine for me, because that’s where I’m rooted (in the best sense of the word). I reckon I’d only need to listen to this album a couple more times to fall in love with it. It’s not the greatest voice, but I love his songwriting. The strings that open the title track, & the album, are so 50’s. A time when singers thought that recording with strings meant they’d made it (I seem to remember even Ray Charles to some extent had that attitude. For Chrissake!) But Hawley refuses to be tied to a genre. (Wading Through) The Waters Of My Time is pure country, complete with beautiful lap-steel guitar, which he provides. In fact, there is so much tasteful instrumentation here. There’s 70’s singer-songwriter stuff, that is never anything but interesting. I love this record.
I was enjoying the first two-thirds of this album, and then it just lost my interest. I'm not sure if it's because it started sounding uninspired, or if I wasn't a fan of the compositional style at that point. All I know was that at one point, his voice started droning to me. Normally I like the "sleepy" folk stuff, but the last few tracks were not it. The first 7 or 8 songs, though - those were really nice and added to my library.
1950s Country music lullabies from...erm... Sheffield in 2005. The musical equivalent of a hug and a cup of cocoa in front of the fire on a cold winter's day.
Very old sounding, but in a good way.
Rikit trevligt
In it's genre it's a leader. You just have to like the genre.....
This is quite an incredible album and Hawley does the broad retro sound PERFECTLY.
3.5 pewnie
Melancholy and meditative. Somewhat reminiscent of early Johnny Cash.
This was pretty good. I felt like it was a bit Sinatra style, perhaps that feelint was enhanced by the cover. It's a bit melancholic to play at any occasion, but would be able to listen to again.
3 1/2, maybe even 3 3/4 stars, so rounding up.
A super nice album to listen to in its entirety. Remembering good times with the velvet voice of Richard Hawley.
This was good. Bluesy.
2006 Mercury Prize nominee. Eclectic range of instruments. I like the violins on 'Coles Corner'! His voice seems pretty good: I only ever heard Jarvis Cocker on Pulp's music. The lyrics make reference to the purpose of the real-life Coles Corner as being an area to meet a future lover. First impression after the first song is that this will be a 4. 'I Sleep Alone' reminds me of the song 'Lightning Bolt' by Jake Bugg. I rather like the instrumental track 'Last Orders'. A wide-reaching range of genres seem to have influenced this album but it is still cohesive overall. Presumably due to the genres that have influenced it, 'Coles Corner' sounds rather old. Nevertheless, it comes across as rather repetitive. This sounds like slimmed-down, mass-produced Radiohead in parts. This album, at other times, sounds part-indie-rock, part-old-time-country. It's not really my kind of music (whatever it is, it's not Pulp), but I like the background instruments. Best songs: 'Just Like the Rain', 'Hotel Room', 'Born Under a Bad Sign', 'Tonight', 'Last Orders'. Favourite track: 'Last Orders'. 7/10. I debated giving it a 6.5 and a 3, but I'll give it a 4/5 -- it was nominated for the Mercury Prize (did it deserve to be nominated, however...? I think so, to be honest, but I would have preferred if Keane's 'Under the Iron Sea' was), I like the album's instrumentation, and it's an easy listen. Most importantly, it sounds like an album that could easily be adapted for the piano/flute (both of which I play). It seems to be possible to take the album's Spotify link, paste it in to the search bar after '1001albumsgenerator.com' and it will lead to the album? Worked for 'The ArchAndroid'.
Pleasant. Simply pleasant.
I’m not sure that this should be the Richard Hawley album we review. Let me tell you why. It’s 2003! I’m listening to a radio show where every week they play a new album in its entirety – I suppose so that people can listen and decide whether they’ll go out and buy it. In the days when people still bought albums. They played Richard Hawley’s Lowedges and the impact was so forceful and instantaneous, I immediately went out to buy it. It’s haunting and wistful and just darned beautiful and I can still listen to it and hardly find a dud moment. He is a master of the noir lullaby. When Coles Corner came up this morning, i hadn’t listened to either album in a long while so I decided to listen to Lowedges first. If CC is supposed to be a better album, then I wanted to hear the progression and find out where the improvements lay. CC is still a beautiful album. Richard Hawley at times sounds like Roy Orbison or Glenn Campbell. A crooner for our times. But Lowedges was RH going out on his own, flying solo from all the bands that he’d played with previously and finding his own style. It was a revelation. Easily a 4.5. And you can hear why he went on to score music and TV. He manages to sound old-fashioned and ahead of his time simultaneously. CC the album did not have that same impact on me; it’s floaty and gentle and full of love, but not as haunting. He’s more mature, but does that make the music better? There are some standout songs but they all seem to merge after a while. For me, this is a 3.5. But for the fact that I listened to two RH albums in one day and felt blissfully mellow afterwards I commend him.
This was nice. He's got a great, easy, natural voice. The music reminded me of The Flatlanders and k.d.Lang. Simple arrangements and production, trusting in the guy's voice and the quality of the songwriting to bring the songs home. What's not to like? I look forward to hearing more.
From Frank Sinatra to Roy Orbison. From Johnny Cash to Elvis.
I was expecting not to like this, having heard bits of Hawley on the radio. Which is odd, as this really reminded me of listening to the radio late at night, with a mix of the shipping forecast (particularly Last Orders) and Radio 2 easy listening. I guess it's all about context - this really hit my mood on a grey Thursday work morning, taking me somewhere else, a pleasant pseudo-nostalgia. Not sure I would play this a lot, but I did enjoy it and can see what he was trying to do. And I loved the Last track.
I really love this chamber pop style, which is the same reason I went against the tide and gave A Short Album About Love by The Divine Comedy a 5, horse lyrics and all. I really don't understand why people take music like that so seriously... any way, Coles Corner! I don't love this as much as that album, but this is still extremely good! I just believe it may have gone on a tad long overall, and some of the more guitar heavy songs weren't nearly as enjoyable as the more orchestral sound of the rest of the album. A lot of it reminds me of less so Sintra like a lot of people are saying and more so Roy Orbison if his voice was lower and not quite as vibratto-y. Any way, still very good, just maybe too big for its britches.
I really dug this
So was everyone in the UK during the mid-2000's going with a throwback sound? It's kind of a shame I got this two albums after that Arctic Monkeys-Rascals collaboration. Hawley is channeling his best Sinatra on the opening, title track. And I gotta say I loved it - really beautiful. Ditto Hotel Room, Darlin Wait for Me, Born Under a Bad Sign, and Just Tonight. Just something about the tempo and his voice. Almost a Morrissey bend to it. I didn't love his more country-sounding Just Like the Rain or The Waters of My Time, though I Sleep Alone was kinda cool. And the Ocean, while softer tempo, wasn't quite the same or as good as some of the other softies. All in all it was really beautifully (and simply) done, punctuated by his instrumental closer Last Orders. Pleasantly surprised.
Wholesome as hell and it doesn't even have his best tune. The Ocean, Born under a bad sign, Just like the rain - all tunes that make me jolly in my belly. Makes me feel I'm sitting there with a scotch whiskey agreeing that life is affording me all that it has to offer. I'm drunk
Was a pleasant surprise this one. Sounded more like what’s played in a ‘50s American diner than Leadmill, but I’m all for it. The Ocean was a masterpiece
What a beautiful, pleasant surprise. Lovely and pleasant and honest songwriting that reminded me of a mix between old-school country and Scott Walker. Saving this for future listens!
This album wake a fine line between being over reliant on nostalgia and employing it perfectly. I’d say that Richard Hawley expertly weaves sounds from the 40s onwards into an extremely well produced and consistent album. The sound feels warm, lush, and lived in and the various genres blend into each other in such a way that it recalls everything at once this creating something unique.
At first I thought it was just a nice selection of songs for some easy listening. And then I heard The Ocean. The amount of pure and genuine emotion infused into that song almost brought me to tears. There are a couple other hits here that really pack a punch in a similarly expansive and beautiful way. Faves: The Ocean, Coles Corner, Born Under A Bad Sign, Darlin’ Wait For Me, I Sleep Alone
Tranquility Base esta inspirado en este album
4 Ruhig
Du très bon chamber pop, j'ai pas vu l'album passer. The Ocean est une pièce incroyable
Muy lindo disco, está bueno para tenerlo de fondo o cuando te pinta chill
Me gustó mucho. Es el primer album de la lista que volveria a escuchar seguido
I like the moodiness to this, sometimes reminded me of Roy Orbison. Overall a very pretty record; love the sound of Richard's voice, I like the understated guitar playing, and I would likely come back to this record again for a more focused listen.
I liked this more than expected. It sounded like Reverend Horton Heat singing things that weren't rockabilly. 3.5/5
This album was valiant. Sure records from this genre have been made every which way and the genre is tried and true, but the tried and true records were 50 years ago. While the album is chronologically misplaced, it's in no way stale. He dusted off a genre from decades earlier and recorded songs produced with superior recording and production technology of the day. The songs are mostly original compositions but you can hear the sounds of yesteryear. For example, the steel guitar on "Hotel Room" is reminiscent of the steel guitar on Paul Anka's “Put Your Head on my Shoulder”. I enjoyed listening to this and will keep it in rotation.
What an interesting album. I quite liked a lot of it… kind retro and cool. He does have a good voice that appeals to my ears. Although he sometimes strays a little close to Morrisset-like morose-ness. Which is something that nobody deserves. It’s alright.
Crisp and dynamic album. I enjoyed this much more than I expected.
Nice and relaxing
I have never heard of Richard Hawley so I am looking forward to today's listen. Richard Hawley is a singer/songwriter whose vocal delivery is very similar to Nick Cave, and sounds like a cross between John Denver and Frank Sinatra. The fact that this album was released in 2005 is amazing. If I learned it came out in the 50's - 60's, I wouldn't have been surprised. Some of his songs are very croonish, and others are kind of country folk/soft rock. I thoroughly enjoyed today's album. The man can certainly write a song. His song topics included: love, and heartbreak. I listened to this album twice today, and will definately listen again! Favourite songs: (Wading Through) The Waters of My Time, Coles Corner, Just Like The Rain, Hotel Room, Darlin' Wait For Me, Born Under A Bad Sign, I Sleep Alone Least favourite songs: The Ocean, Who's Going to Shoe Your Pretty Feet 4/5
Enjoyed this. Some beautiful tunes.
A nice sit down and a cup of tea of an album.
steel city & western
Cozy
I can see what the fuss is about now. Lovely voice. Ditto songs. I can hear the ghost of Johnny Cash in a few.
What a joy this was to listen to.
This was super pleasant to listen to. Hard to believe it’s from 2005, it sounded decades older.
Great musician, captures some raw emotions in song
Jazzoso, vocerrón y unas composiciones arrechísimas. Me dejó queriendo escuchar el resto de la discografía.
Morrissey would kill to put out something like this, but with more racism.
A strange album in that the music is clearly a couple of decades older than the album. It sounds like the soundtrack to a couple generic but wholesome movie classics. Definitely comforting background music. Hard to see it as more than that - but sometimes that's enough.
Repeated references to this as “retro,” which seems a little off to me - more a factor of this being difficult to define, genre-wise. Wikipedia calls it art- and chamber- pop, but it’s country elements are as strong as the pop, along with a heavy vibe of singer-and-band, which (for all that’s its most iconic stars are of an earlier era) never went away, so is it really retro? Whatever the case, I liked it, and it’s ambiguous but decidedly gentle style was a nice change of pace.
Solid album. Not sure if it's my thing or not.
Usually I'm all in on melancholic music, but you have to be in a very specific mood, to thoroughly appreciate it. I wasn't in that mood during my first listening and as a result the whole album just slowly disappeared somewhere in the background, without me noticing anything special about it. Fortunately, by a coincidence, I gave it another chance, late at night, with a glass of wine for company - and the reception was so so much better. Richard creates an amazing atmosphere around his songs; you can feel as you moved in time 50 years and enjoy a full moon with a loved one on a bench in a park. It also helps, that Richard's voice is so soft and charming, that he slowly hypnotizing you into submisson to this album. As for my favourite song, I think I actually have to choose the first song on the album - titular 'Coles Corner'. The song is slightly different from the rest of the record - even more melancholic, perfect cooperation of violin and sadness in Hawley's voice, makes it the best song on this album. I was ready to quickly dismiss this album as just 'another boring work', but I am so lucky to give it a second chance. Really great album!
Mjög ljúfur og stundum angurvær hljóðheimur. Hann grípur mig ekki föstum tökum en það er eitthvað heillandi þarna og ég gæti vel hlustað á þetta aftur. Ég er enginn stóraðdáandi svona baritóna, en Hawley sleppur fyrir horn. Jájá, fínt.
This album really grew on me. On my first listen I found it too slow and it took me awhile to get through it but by the closing track it started to come together for me. After that, each listen got better and by my third time through the album had won me over.
WOW. This is some good sounding stuff right here. I would love to listen to some more of this guy's work.
Wasn't into it at first but started digging the R&B style
Richard Hawley brings a beautiful raw performance to this quietly calm piece of pop-indie. His voice at points is touching and feels honesty with the intentions he’s bringing
4.25
If Johnny Cash grew up in the suburbs playing the piano. This album sounds like what a movie would have in the soundtrack for a character's dinner date, but in a good way. It conveys a story, is suitable for most audiences, and reminds me a bit of BCNR.
Trodde inte jag skulle gilla det här men det var bra? iofs är det ju han från pulp så, inte så big av en surprise ändå.
no es mi estilo de musica pero me senti comodo escuchando, buena letra relajante me gusto mucho el album
I started off thinking that this was yet another boring album that’s on here for some historical or music critic reason but by the end I was totally on board. The vocals are basically nick cave from the boatman’s call mixed with frank Sinatra but the production is on a whole other level of mixing genres and it’s all really beautiful sounding
easy listening country with cinematic lyrics, starring a Frank Sinatra impersonator with a mild smoking habit. 3.5/5
A modern folk rock album.
Bonito, tranquilo
From pleasant start to ghostly end, Richard Hawley takes the listener through trips of life in Sheffield in Coles Corner. What sticks out is the numerous nods made towards the pre-Sixties era of music such as traditional pop and country and it keeps the album interesting from beginning to end. Do not ignore this collection. Favorites: Coles Corner, Just Like the Rain, The Ocean, I Sleep Alone, Tonight, (Wading Through) The Waters of Times, Who's Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Feet?, Last Orders.
Beautiful
05/15/2022 Very unexpected, in the best way.
"Coles Corner" is a lovingly retro record from Richard Hawley- the whole set oozes class, elegance and heartache. Named after a popular meeting place for dates in Hawley's (and my) native Sheffield, the album concerns itself primarily with love lost and found, with a series of ballads in Hawley’s baritone croon. It's not for everyone, presumably even less so back in 2005: it's certainly a far cry from the cheeky-chappy, Britpoppy take on Sheffield's nightlife immortalised by Pulp or early Arctic Monkeys. Instead, “Coles Corner” is a grand and stately affair, with tempos and arrangements running through treacle and lyrics softened almost into total cliche. But it is very listenable, and often dazzling in its simplicity. It's surprising that tracks like "Just Like the Rain", "I Sleep Alone” and "Wading Through The Waters of My Time" were conceived with the album, and aren’t old standards. They sound like Hawley picked them out of a dusty old songbook from a distant and forgotten history, fitting right in alongside the only traditional offering “Who’s Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Feet”. Sometimes a little bit country, sometimes more folksy… all with a 50's crooner delivery. Musically, it’s given a tasteful modern update by crisp, full-bodied production and gorgeous guitar work. Listen to the slide in "Hotel Room", the counter-melody in the "Born Under a Bad Sign" chorus, and the chordal accompaniment running through “Darlin’ Wait For Me”. From the rest of the tracks, “Coles Corner” is the most romantic, absolutely aching with strings. “The Ocean" is the most climactic, reaching a stunning crescendo in its last couple of minutes. And "Last Orders" is the most atmospheric, sounding like the final piano drifting through the haze at the end of the world. I've listened many times walking home on a very late night and it has always fit perfectly… almost pure magic.
Bacana, bem de boas
Really liked this album ...from Title track, to Hotel Room, The Ocean, Tonight and Last Orders...A couple of these tracks feel throwback enough that Tarantino would try to hip them up in Pulp Fiction 2: The Pulpening
Beautiful record. Used to listen to this frequently but have no given it much thought over the recent years Lovely cosy sound. It relaxes me
A charming collection of songs. It’s nostalgic tone awakes the empathy on the listener. I did not have this on my radar, but now, it belongs to my Nick Cave-like playlist.
i would never have guessed it would sound like it does, having read the wikipedia page first. He is a crooner, with a great voice and cool style, almost out of a different era. great to relax to on a sunny afternoon. i would come back for more, not normally my style of music though.
Solid sound. I liked it pretty well. Reminded me of bob dylan
Sonzao bem diferenciado, calminho
New discovery for me and loved it. Need to make sure I go back to it
Love the old school country!
The description of this album was perfect. A short is Coles Corner wraps itself in the dreams of Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Scott Walker and Lee Hazelwood. With a baritone perpetually in anguish over broken love, dead love, bittersweet love ( anything other than happy love), Richard Hawley, like Chris Isaak, shifts to past decades without resorting to complete nostalgia. He lets the strings engulf him, the piano sway him, and thee ballads play him. I wish these were my words but they are how I felt about this listen. Perfect for a rainy night or a overcast day.
7/10 cheesy and over the top at times but pretty relaxing and enjoyable :)
This sounds just like a Jim Reeves album. A man, his guitar, and his feelings. This is slow, mellow music that works best if you have someone by your side. Heat up some chocolate, turn the volume up and bring your partner close. Beautiful and simple. Favorite tracks: Born under a bad sign, Ocean, Tonight.
A nice, sweet, romantic album with a medley of musical influences. Hawley's got a great voice and a nice assortment of lyrics that make this a joy of an album to listen to.
Good stuff. Great listening even if it isn't spectacular.
These tracks are so beautiful and epic, I especially loved "Born Under a Bad Sign". It had incredible instrumentation and, like the other tracks on here, the vocals were quite nice!
Low key and soulful and pleasant. Not at all what I expected when I saw the listed genre as "Britpop"
It’s a sweet sounding album, very nostalgic crooner ballads but with a captivating modern beauty. 4/5 - Perfect background music on a Sunday morning
ROCKABILLY!
Listened to this without knowing anything about it. Didn't even look at the year. It felt like it was 50s or 60s. Surprised it was 2005. I liked it a lot. Soothing, comfortable.
Perfectly pleasant. Not entirely sure it belongs on the list, as the schtick is that he's perfectly and earnestly recreating the sound of a bygone era - so why not give us some of the originals this is aping? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Fave track - "Coles Corner" was a lovely opener, and "Last Orders" a lovely closer, so let's go with them....
Very soothing with oldies feel that I'm super digging
Mooie singer songwriter een beetje nick cave achtig minder duister
Mellow, but done well. Perfect shower music. No recognized songs
Nomas que meta segundón y llega a 5
Sí lo vuelvo a poner, como no.
Iako u trenutcima meni osobno malo dosadan, izaziva toplinu oko srca 🤗 Ne mog to opisat, ovo mi je primjer zasto ovu stranicu koristimo, jer sam nit bi otkrio nit pustio. #mellowyellow
Never heard him before, but was at a concert Richard Hawley headlined this summer - missed him against my wishes, so chuffed to see this pop up. A lovely, rockabilly, non-ironic album. It's great this.
This somber, longing album is quite choice for when you are in the crossover zone of romantic and depressed. Standout track is Last Orders.
Surprising & interesting album - wide range of styles, maybe not all that many memorable songs but definitely some classics.
ovo bi slusala da sam sredovjecni bhm (not even in a bad way)
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Coles corner, The ocean, Tonight
he has a great smooth voice and the album feels as good as walk on the beach. Too emotional for me though.
Lijkt in eerste instantie saai, maar het is naar mijn mening een sfeervol folk/country-album waar ik wel van hou. Verrassend.
4.0 - Well, I’ll be damned! What a pretty album this is. Ballads of longing, regret and reminiscence, sung in a rich baritone, inflected with old rockabilly/country crooning à la Cash and Orbison.
Do not listen to this if you're morose or mourning. Wow, I've never heard his solo stuff and this album convinced me I need to dig into it. I don't know how to even categorize this music.
What a pleasant surprise. Never heard of this so immediately knew it was something British. I liked the first track but couldn't help groaning knowing this would be a consistent aesthetic choice. But the album spanned a number of genres in this old-school crooner type style and I found myself enjoying much more than I thought, especially on the back end. Some of the country-tinged tunes near the end are really excellent. I didn't expect to dig this here we are. Favorite tracks: Who's Going to Shoe Your Pretty Feet, Coles Corner, The Waters of My Time, Last Orders, Born Under a Bad Sign. Album art: The guy looks like a dweeb but doesn't love make us all look stupid? I really like the colors here. The picture isn't too remarkable but the bold yellow/orange and blue is fantastic. Definitely fits the music. 4/5
6th August 2021 Listened on my phone in the morning before we drove to Norfolk to go camping with Joe, adna and Anna Lewis! Really enjoyed this actually, it was like a cross between brit pop and old school crooning.
Would have never guessed this came out in 2005! A really great and eclectic take on musical styles from decades before. Favorite tracks were “Just Like The Rain” and “The Ocean”.
Mezcla de estilo de Elvis, Sinatra, etc. cantado en la actualidad.
Buena voz. Cantante melódico moderno. Piano. Bastante bonito el disco. Un 4 le voy a dar.
A curious mixture. Made the commute a little better
- stellar recordings, - warm vibes of home, first crooner I've enjoyed - somewhat samey but some standouts (I sleep alone, last orders
Love this - can’t believe it was 2005!
I love his voice
A wonderful jazz mix about love and loss
Joah best oké
Soothing Easy Listening
Very Scott Walker. I enjoyed it
New to me. Really good
Gorgeous, gentle, quite beautiful romantic music. Very impressed. Retro, but does that matter?
lagano, enjoyable
Comedown music
Production: 13/20 Songwriting: 14/20 Innovation: 11/20 Bangers: 10/20 Emotional response: 14/20 =62 Liked it
Very interesting that this came shortly after the Frank Sinatra record. It's very old school, and I could see Sinatra having recorded these songs. Good songs, but a lot of them sound similar. Well-produced. Listened twice.
Really, really enjoyed this album. I was slightly familiar with Richard Hawley from Rewind the Film, but his own work is new to me. Will definitely be checking out more of it. A high 4.
Pues me sorprendió que me gustara un album de este genero musical. No sé si las letras son buenas o no, pero a mí me gustaron. Creo que las canciones que más me complacieron fueron Just like the rain y The Ocean. Mood: Cñor Sad
Muuuuuy buen psychrock
Yeah. Wasn't sure at first but it grew on me.