Title - ‘The Essential’ (Columbia/Legacy)
Artist - Shawn Mullins
If you first heard Shawn Mullins on the radio singing "Lullaby," then you might have gotten the impression that Mullins can't really sing, since most of the song is spoken rather than sung. Quite the opposite is true. I think he has an incredible voice that expresses the feeling he's trying to get across in such a way that it gives me chills on some of the more emotional songs. Not only that, but he is also an incredible songwriter and musician, with the soul of a bard. This is a WONDERFUL album. "Lullaby" is only the beginning, but if you know that song then you have a good hint of what else is on the album. Much of these songs consist of poetic recitation with Shawn's straightforward lyrics and raspy drawl. Then again, as demonstrated on this album, nobody sounds better than Shawn when he belts out melody with his ebullient, soaring voice. Acoustic guitar is woven into music throughout the disc, recalling Shawn's earlier days as a musician when his act was nothing more than his guitar and him. Add this ‘hits’ collection to your own collection today!
James Dudley
www.LegacyRecordings.com
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