On 15th May Teddy Thompson released his sixth solo album of original songs, and first since 2020. The ten-song 31-minute album is a must for Thompson fans, but may not be an instant hit. This isn’t a bad thing – it just needs three or four listens before making a decision – and is that really a hardship when it’s so short, and Thompson’s voice is so lovely to hear?
This reviewer is a Thompson fan of old, but even for her it took a few plays before the album hit home. On the first few listens, what stands out most is how different it sounds, with instruments and electronic sounds not usually associated with his music.
Starting with Come Back, the record begins with a bang – or probably the closest to one you’ll ever get from Thompson. I Need Real (Love) – second – has an Everley Brothers feel to it, and wouldn’t be out of place on the Little Windows album (Thompson’s duet album with Kelly Jones – not that one – in 2016). Where it differs from the tracks on that record is a heavier guitar sound and use of electronic instruments.
What you will find is as you listen more, is you start to discover the similarities and what you love about his music is just under the surface – likely due to paying closer attention to the lyrics. So This Is Heartache would easily fit on either of Thompson’s first two albums – Baby It’s You on Separate Ways, and The Game on Little Windows.
Not What I Need is probably the song most different to his previous work The false(ish) start messes with you a little the first few times, but you get used to it. With an electronic background and a feel of ‘80s/’90s video games, the use of Thompson’s range is excellent, and draws you in until you accept the newness as a good thing.
If you’re not familiar with Thompson’s previous work, this album mixes melancholic, storytelling lyrics with lovely ‘60s pop stylings and great arrangements . It’s possible to get the impression that Thompson leads a life full of heartbreak etc, and if this worries you it’s worth seeking out some of the promotional interviews he has done for this record.
Never Be The Same is full of great songs, with personal favourites being Make Up Your Mind – the tune makes it hard to sit still when listening, for starters – and Same Old Song, with the reverb and strings here used to great effect.
If this sounds like something up your alley, why not check it out in all the normal places? Or if you want to see the man in person, you can catch him on a tour of Ireland and the UK starting 3rd June. The rest of the dates can be found here.
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