Tom Baxter - Skybound
Tom Baxter and his company set out before writing 'Skybound' with a purpose: "to make a record full of love and vulnerability" and they've done just that. Baxter has produced one of the most subtle, delicate and versatile albums of this year. 'Skybound' captures, perfectly, his full potential as a music writer.
The album starts with "A Night Like This", a gorgeous virtuoso song; spelling out a love story. It's an example of what easy-listening music should sound like. Title-track "Skybound" is gentle and sweet; soaring vocals with a gentle bongo-beat, luscious violins and heart-warming piano; magical. "Better" is a remarkable. Meaningful lyrics and sumptuous harmonies come together in a match made in heaven.
"Tell her today" is an up-tempo rumba track, portraying poignant perfection; "Miracle" is a mild love song, with momentous, pop-y lyrics; and "The Last Shot" is bittersweet ecstasy in musical form. "Tragic" is a stereotypical song for music like this but no less perfect.
"Half A Man" is a drowsy and gripping track. "Icarus Wings" is a pretty average track tossed in to the mix for some sense of contrast. "Light Me Up" is a glorious, incandescent and shimmering end to what has been a perfect album.
This is acoustic music, with a velvety texture, a level of consistency and oozing with the sentiment of life. Highly recommended.