Nigel Stonier - Navigate

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 14 / 5 / 2019

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There are a number of musicians/producers who, although achieving some success, still fly under the radar of most of the record-buying public, and it would come of something of a shock to realise that, although the name might not mean much to them, they have heard and no doubt loved much of the music these once backroom boys have been involved in. Nigel Stonier’s name is known by many, but, although he’s achieved radio play and is highly respected within the music business, there’s still some way to go until Stonier becomes the household name he rightly deserves to be. For many he will be best known for his work as Thea Gilmore’s producer, MD and stage guitarist. Others might remember the name because one of his most touching songs, ‘I Hope I Always’ from his 2014 album, ‘Built Ffor Storms’ became one of the most requested songs on BBC Radio 2 back then, even prompting Bob Harris to name the song “the song of the year” and deservedly so, if this writer was asked to name his favourite Stonier song I’d name that one without even a second thought and the album from which it was taken as Stonier’s strongest. Until I heard ‘Navigate’. The ten original songs featured on ‘Navigate’ are the most topical Stonier has put on record so far. He’s always shown a certain wit in his lyrics, but this latest collection of songs takes Stonier’s acute observations to a new level. The album also features at least a couple of songs that are in a similar vein to ‘I Hope I Always’ and are as affecting as that classic. While I could try and explain what I think each song is about the best way to get the background to each track is to visit https://www.nigelstonier.com/navigate-track-by-track where Stonier not only provides the lyrics to each song on ‘Navigate’ but also writes a short backstory to each song. It makes for fascinating reading, enhances the listening pleasure and is well worth your time. ‘Safe Place’ is one of the songs that recalls, in some ways. ‘I Hope I Always’; a song of support directed at one of Stonier’s “favourite people”, it was written after Stonier spent time with said friend then went home and listened to ‘Dark Matter’ by Randy Newman. This song was written within thirty minutes. And, while this writer can honestly claim that he’d rather hear Stonier’s gentle vocals over Newman’s, it’s also fair to say that when it comes to writing songs Stonier is on the same level as Newman. ‘When It Gets Cold’ was cut live in the studio and is the other song that will instantly appeal to those who loved ‘I Hope I Always’. Just Stonier and the guitar his parents bought him when he was fifteen, it’s an affectionate reflection of a friend and times past and brings home how Stonier’s vocals get right inside the listener and how he can surely touch the hardest of hearts. This mood is continued into the following song, ‘The Strange Untried’, another song informed by the death of two friends. The weeping violin is subtly used to bring out the sadness that permeates the song. It’s another track where Stonier can’t fail to move the listener. The stomping opener ‘Bad Dancers of a Certain Age’ is an astute dig at some (one?) of our contemporary ‘artists’ and the current music business - “this one goes out to all the fans, Martini woman, journeyman, the self-appointed also ran, and the girl with no attention span.” ‘Me With You’ is another second cousin to ‘I Hope I Always’; a touching song about being with those you can let your guard down with. The lyrics to ‘What Could Possibly Go Wrong’ really deserve to be checked out via the above link. iPhones, snowflakes and Spotify are all mentioned in the most topical of Stonier’s songs. The fact that it’s another typical irresistible sing-along just make the lyrics even more hard-hitting. “And music’s still a vital force,” sings Stonier on this track and after listening to ‘Joy’ you’ll agree. ‘Joy’ is Stonier’s seventh solo album and is in the running for his strongest set of songs to date; time will tell and Stonier has already written more than a handful of classics but right now it’s difficult to find anything to dislike about this latest collection of intelligent folk-tinged pop songs from one of our most talented musicians/producers.

Track Listing:-

1 Bad Dancers of a Certain Age
2 Navigate
3 Me With You
4 What Could Possibly Go Wrong
5 Safe Place
6 Whaddup Quockerwodger (Showrunner's Blues)
7 One of the Good Guys
8 When It Gets Cold
9 The Strange Untried
10 Red Letter Life

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