Murray A, Lightburn - Hear Me Out

  by Nicky Crewe

published: 27 / 8 / 2019

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I was intrigued to read that 'Rolling Stone' magazine had compared Murray A. Lightburn’s music to Brian Wilson and Curtis Mayfield, both all time favourites of mine. I’d also discovered that he had been compared to Morrissey vocally and lyrically and had supported Morrissey on his 2006 solo tour with his band the Dears. These comparisons set the bar high and I knew I was in danger of being disappointed. This is Canadian artist Murray A Lightburn’s second solo album. 'Mass:Light' was released in 2013 so it has been six years in the making. Reading between the lines of lyrics and social media accounts, it seems that Lightburn is combining parenthood with being a musician. He is married to fellow member of the Dears, Natalia Yanchak. His songs fall into a category that I describe as ‘profound pop’. It’s music with a message combined with melodies that once heard are not forgotten. The overall message of 'Hear Me Out' is summed up in the title track. It’s all about listening and considering, making the compromises in relationships that result in long term stability and the best kind of communication. These are grown up themes and the musical influences include soul and Motown, crooners and Sixties girl group harmonies. There’s definitely a hint of Smokey sings or the Impressions backing vocals on 'I Give Up'. There may be a hint of Morrissey on Fan Fiction (Ballad of a Genius). Other current favourite tracks are 'To the Top' and 'Changed My Ways', but there isn’t a bad track on the album, and I know I’m going to enjoy listening to it, and getting to know the songs better for a long time to come. If I was going to do the "if you like that, you’ll enjoy this" comparison, for me it would be fellow Canadian Ron Sexsmith’s work. Lightburn is touring in the UK and Ireland in the autumn and I’m really looking forward to seeing him play live.

Track Listing:-

1 Anew
2 Centre Of My Universe
3 To The Top
4 I Give Up
5 Hear Me Out
6 Belleville Blues
7 Changed My Ways
8 Fan Fiction (Ballad of a Genius)
9 I'm Not Broken
10 When They See Me

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