Danny and the Champions of the World - Stay True
by Carl Bookstein
published: 29 / 7 / 2013

Label:
Loose Music
Format: CD
intro
Fantastic fourth album from London-based band Danny and The Champions Of The World, which combines country rock, rock and roll and soul
The new album “Stay True” by Danny & The Champions Of the World starts out soaring- evocatively capturing a road trip from yesteryear. '(Never Stop Building) That Old Space Rocket' begins with a funky beat and an easy twang- down home roots rock, and a bit country rock as well. The song tells the autobiographical true story of Danny George Wilson (acoustic guitar, lead vocals), hitchhiking with his dad to a Fabulous Thunderbirds show. Danny sings about how something in his soul was born then, as he reflects on the open road and the great unknown, as well as never giving up on one’s dreams. The album is steeped in the classicism of rock history- schooled in rock and roll from the 1950s onward, including early pioneers from doo wop to the Ronettes. 'Cold Cold World' showcases an appealing back to basics sound with straight up vocals, steady drumming and a solid guitar based approach. 'Stop Thief!' is an illustration of music that borrows from rhythm and blues and classic soul, as Danny and company expertly mine a wealth of influences. The sound is resonant, hitting the soul straight on. Homespun and folksy, 'Other Days' is an example of poignant rock and roll with rich roots from Muscle Shoals and the Stax label to Van Morrison and The Band. “These runaway days are gathering steam,” is the inspired lyric. 'Let’s Grab This With Both Hands' is Springsteen-esque with skilled, emotive songwriting- a positive, optimistic tune and a call to seize the day. 'Time Again' is the soulful closer about revisiting the past. The song includes a rich saxophone solo and a fine full on band performance. Danny & The Champions of the World draw on varied musical influences from the past, but with quality that is timeless.
Track Listing:-
1 (Never Stop Building) That Old Space Rocket2 Cold Cold World
3 Stop Thief!
4 Darlin' Won't You Come In From The Cold
5 Other Days
6 Breaking Out
7 Stay True
8 Been There Before
9 Talkin About The Weather
10 Let s Grab This With Both Hands
11 Time Again
Band Links:-
http://www.dannyandthechamps.com/https://www.facebook.com/dannyandthechamps
https://twitter.com/dannythechamp
https://www.facebook.com/loosemusic
Label Links:-
http://loosemusic.com/https://www.facebook.com/loosemusic
https://twitter.com/looseMusic
http://www.last.fm/user/Loose_Music
https://www.youtube.com/loosemusic
https://instagram.com/loose_music/
reviews |
What Kind of Love (2015) |
![]() |
Breathtaking fifth studio album from the UK’s Danny and The Champions of the World, who, drawing from the golden age of soul, unleash their own take on the genre by adding a country hue to produce a classic blue-eyed soul album |
Live Champs! (2014) |
Hearts & Arrows (2011) |
Streets of Our Time (2010) |
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