So right out of the gate he’s tearing into a John Mellencamp-like upbeat rocker, very Americana in its tone. Now, the down side is that this album came with no credits info or even a track listing, (ahem!) but I’m guessing by the refrain that it’s called “On and On.” It should be noted that I listened to an advance copy; the retail copy will come with full info. Either way, Collins is having a good time with it, and it’s pretty contagious. The liner notes mention that he did a lot of the writing with producer Jamie Slocum, a popular Curb Records artist, so we know he had a hand in some of the songs, just not which ones. I’m sure this dearth of pertinent information will be corrected by the time of the album’s release, January 9th.
Anyway…. “Curt Collins” is a worship project for the most part, rich with story songs and straightforward praise. Collins also has a soft spot for father-son relationships, both heavenly and earthly. “Growing Young” is an emotion-charged Prodigal Son track, and the 8th track, which I’m calling “Pull You Through” covers the same theme. Also offered up is a cover of Harry Chapin’s “Cat in the Cradle,” complete with ‘60s-type guitar nuances. Collins shared on the liner notes and his website of his grief in missing his parents, so this may explain the album’s emphasis, one which I think many listeners will enjoy.
Collins clearly enjoys rocking out; check out jangly pop-worship track “Shadow and Light,” as it climbs to a soaring chorus. But he may hit his stride on the ballads; airy ballad (I’m guessing again?) “Free of Me” and his quiet rendition of the closing hymn “In the Garden” both stand out. But the album’s standout track is the string-rich ballad “Love Unconditional,” hugely reminiscent of the Beatles.
Curt Collins lays out a big slice of his heart and his stories on his self-titled album, dropping January 9th. Keep an eye on his website for details.
