SOLO review..Suffolk Journal
 

https://thesuffolkjournal.com/29205/...le-folk-album/


When most of us envision life in our 80s, we see grandchildren playing in the backyard, a steady retirement and loads of free time for relaxation. 81-year-old Gordon Lightfoot, however, has been spending this period of his life creating a folk record that feels oh so sweet.*

Lightfoot dropped “Solo” on March 20, his first full-length album since releasing “Harmony,” 16 years ago. The Canadian singer-songwriter rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s with drifty hits like “Sundown” and “If You Could Read My*Mind.” The songs on “Solo” echo some of his early work by relying almost entirely on simple acoustic guitar chords and earthy vocals.*

Lightfoot uses his songwriting to explain this phase of life, capturing some of the lessons and wisdom he has gained over time. In his plain yet meaningful lyrics, he asks broad questions through repetitive lines. For example in “Just a Little Bit,” the musician points out the mundane parts of everyday schedules. The tune makes listeners wonder if they are tired of doing the same things day after day, as the lines “Do you ever get tired of hanging out, just a little bit? / Do you ever get tired of the old routine? / Do you ever get tired of the blue jeans, just a little bit?”*
Do you ever get tired of the old routine? / Do you ever get tired of the blue jeans, just a little bit?” suggest. The lyrics in “Why Not Give It A Try” are also repetitious, but add a dose of optimism as the singer encourages listeners to gain new experiences.

Each of the album’s 10 tracks are a warm combination of only two sounds: Lightfoot’s steady voice and the cozy guitar he gently plucks. The calm music makes listeners want to peacefully escape to the mountain ranges or a remote wooden cabin.*

“Solo” is delicate from start to finish, but the song “Dreamdrift” is where Lightfoot shows how lofty his music can be by incorporating a beautiful, airy whistle in between verses. As he sings about having the urge to travel and explore despite an aging body telling him to take it easy, there’s a softer inflection in his weathered voice.*

Due to the rhasp and age in his singing, some of the words are not clearly pronounced, making whole lyrics harder to catch. Some lines seem to tangle together in the twainy tunes, which can distract listeners from the song’s overarching message.*

It’s never expected for a musician to top their greatest hits, especially so much later in their career, but it’s refreshing to have new music from this successful songwriter. Although this isn’t Lightfoot’s best work, it’s a satisfying addition to his discography that is bound to please fans.*

Re: SOLO review..Suffolk Journal
 

Just received the "Solo" CD on my doorstep from Amazon. Have listened 3x today.

A great treat for fans like me, nearly 50 years of having a great friend around.

I think the Suffolk review above is pretty accurate. It appears that the best of the material written in the late 1990's/early 2000's was used on the Harmony album. Still the songs on Solo are worthwhile, even in their raw form. Gord said that he might have rewritten and tightened up some of lyrics had they been re-recorded in 2019 and there are spots I can see where that might have been done. I think "Return to Dust" is my favorite and deepest of the new tracks. That summarizes life for all of us. I'm so glad that Kim had one song written new for her and thank her for caring and loving Gord for years. In interviews, he is happy and content, and I appreciate what she has done for him.

I hope to see Gord in Thunder Bay in November but who knows what the world will look like by then? Currently, I can't even cross the border right now. But if "Solo" is the final album, I will also treasure the thrill of seeing a new album cover! Thanks, Gord.

John- Minnesota

Re: SOLO review..Suffolk Journal
 

"I'm so glad that Kim had one song written new for her and thank her for caring and loving Gord for years. In interviews, he is happy and content, and I appreciate what she has done for him."

I like your line from your above post. I'm glad that I'm not the only one who appreciates what Kim is to Gordon and how happy she makes him and he makes her. It was great when they got together. She sparkles and so does Gordon. Long may they run.