Title - 'Spirits of the Western Sky'
Artist - Justin Hayward
As you all know, Justin Hayward is an English musician, best known as singer, songwriter and guitarist in the rock band The Moody Blues. And on this brand new, long-awaited solo album, well it has to be said that this is one of Justin's most personal works to date.
Indeed, each song brings you in a little deeper. Musically 'Spirits of the Western Sky' lays bare the intimacy of the lyrics. Justin's acoustic guitar work is magical, while his electric guitar is reminiscent of the past glory days of the Blues.
With Hayward sounding just like he did 40 years ago when the Moody Blues began, this wonderful collection of music begins with the melodic 'In Your Blue Eyes,' before giving us the every day storytelling 'One Day, Someday,' the title track 'The Western Sky,' and then both the acoustic guitar work of 'The Eastern Sun' and the faster-paced 'On The Road To Love.'
We continue on with the slow, moving 'Lazy Afternoon,' 'In The Beginning,' the Deep South plucked guitar appeal of 'It's Cold Outside Of Your Heart,' and then 'What You Resist Persists.' The quite delightful album is then rounded out by 'Broken Dream,' the pop aspects of 'Captivated By You,' and then 'One Day, Someday (Extended Version),' the soaring scope of 'Rising,' 'Out There Somewhere' and lastly 'Out There Somewhere (Raul Rincon Remix).
Overall this is a beautifully produced CD capturing the love of the muse which is Justin Hayward. And as much as those last handful of tracks can not all be found on the regular CD, I definitely recommend 'Spirits of the Western Sky' in any form to anyone who is a fan.
www.justinhayward.com