Some Kind of Cure by David Berkeley
“I listened a lot more than I talked.” says David Berkeley of the time he spent on the island of Corsica. Those months there were a time for self-discovery and for bonding with his young son. It turned out to be a fruitful time for writing significant songs. Some Kind of Cure is a baker’s dozen of original compositions by Berkeley along with a soulful cover of the traditional “Shenandoah”.
Berkeley, in this his fourth album, establishes himself as a singer-songwriter to whom we should take note. From his lyrics, music and singing style we get the impression that he was influenced by the likes of Dan Fogelberg and John Denver. Producer Will Robertson balances a studio full of musicians (strings, brass, keyboards, woodwinds, percussion) to create complimentary textures for Berkeley’s lyrics (and acoustic guitar) while magnifying the emotions in the ballads.
“George Square” opens the CD with an affirmation and re-assurance of commitment. She walks through the square and looks for advice, “..but the statues, they were so silent…..how bad she wanted to hear them tell her which was is best.” So the singer pledges and comforts with, “Don’t change your hair for me. I’m on your side.
“Independence” speaks of hope on the 5th of July and “Parachute” is a metaphor as your heart “opens when you fall.” “Winter Winds” closes out the album on a high note with a reminder that spring always brings hope and warmth after the cold melts away. “I believe in your more than you now can know…” This song is a bon voyage for a traveler leaving youth behind and could just as easily be a fond farewell to pain and heartbreak. Berkeley’s high tenor voice is not shallow and leaves listeners feeling confident and reassured. His message could have been written for a child, a lover, or a listener who simply needs some kind of cure.
Follow Technorati