Ben Kunder - Better Human

  by Nicky Crewe

published: 26 / 11 / 2018

Label: Comino Music
Format: CD

intro

Memorable nd hopeful second album from Canadian singer-songwriter Ben Kunder who has recently toured the UK

Nicky Crewe regrets that she didn’t get to see Ben Kunder live on his recent promotional tour. His new album is a great introduction to his music. A few weeks ago Canadian singer-songwriter Ben Kunder kicked off his UK and Ireland tour with a performance at my favourite local venue, Cafe #9 in Sheffield. I wasn’t free to go and I’m so sorry I missed him if this album is anything to go by. It’s his second album. The first, ‘Golden’, was made up of a collection of songs he spent years working on. The writing was more immediate this time round. The title track, ‘Better Human’, was written on the day he went into the studio. The songs are an exploration of life with all its anxieties and joys. Not only Ben Kunder’s personal life as songwriter and performer, but the shared anxieties and joys we all feel. We are all “working harder every day, to be a better human in this world’.” If you can identify with these lyrics you will love this album. His voice is rich and soulful. Some of the songs are co-written and they are performed by a great bunch of musicians. They feature strings and harmonies, pedal steel guitar and keyboards. The music is that wonderful mix of folk and pop which is so accessible. New songs sound like old favourites on the second time of listening. ‘Better Human’ sets the tone. Other stand out tracks are ‘Jessi’, ‘Fight For Time’, ‘Lay Down’ and the final track ‘Night Sky ‘about the birth of his child, who I’m guessing has the last word on the album. The songs are optimistic and encouraging. We can all believe that the future is bright.

Track Listing:-