The moment I received the press release for this album, I was über intrigued. I had heard the whisperings of a new project from Mr. Danny Worsnop, but nothing had come to fruition until now. I feel that I am a staunch Worsnop supporter and one who has followed his career from the start, and even I was taken by surprise by the tone of this album. I want to explain what I mean by that, so as to avoid any “bunching of undies” by his throng of fans. Danny first hit my radar in 2010 while he was still with Asking Alexandria, even from that first moment, I knew he was an enigma. I was hooked on Worsnop’s vocal style, as I am to this day.
I was tad bummed when I had heard Worsnop had left Asking Alexandria in 2015. I was elated when I found myself face to face with Worsnop at a music festival in May of 2015. Worsnop was doing interviews supporting his new musical endeavor, We Are Harlot. I experienced my very first “What in Worsnop” moment as I watched We are Harlot’s live set that night. Worsnop had completely morphed into a new musical being as frontman for We Are Harlot, with a sunny, tongue in cheek vibe. Fast forward to 2017 and the triumphant return of Worsnop to Asking Alexandria and the band’s 5th album release. I experienced my second “What in the Worsnop” moment as I realized Worsnop’s style had seemingly evolved into a confusingly complex perfect storm of soul, angst, and introspection. That brings us to present day, and Worsnop’s new solo album, Shades of Blue (Sumerian), and my latest “What in the Worsnop” moment. I would like to take this opportunity to give you a few incites on this album to help explain why I am having my current “What in the Worsnop” moment.
The album’s first two tracks, ‘Little Did I Know’ and ‘Best Bad Habit’ introduces the listener to a softer gentler, more light-hearted Worsnop. Both offerings are fun little ditties that leave the listener smiling long after the music has stopped. I have to warn you to get the Kleenex ready before listening to track 3, “Tomorrow”, even if you think you are dead inside and safe from the feels. ‘Tomorrow’ is the type of song that all songwriters hope to craft in their careers. A soul-stirring ballad made even more poignant by the heartbreak that is apparent in the delivery of the lyrics by Worsnop. The mood is instantly changed as track #4 and #5 snap back to the light-hearted bluesy feel of the album’s opening track.
I do not want you to think that this album is just one sad tale after another, but I need to spotlight track #6, ‘I’ve been Down’ for just a teensy weensy moment. Yes, this track could be categorized as a “ballad”, but calling it that is not doing this song justice. I am not a sap, (I will fight anyone that says I am), but this song burrowed its way into my soul and stayed there. The stripped-down acoustic delivery filled with regret and despair sucked me in, as it will you. ‘Edge of Goodbye’ takes the album in a more classic country feel whereas track number eight, ‘Heaven is A Long Way Down’ is a more modern bluesy offering. ‘Tell Her’ and ‘I Didn’t Know’, are both hybrid mash-ups of soulfulness and country blues. The final track, ‘Ain’t Feeling Sorry’ is a wonderfully upbeat romp that echo’s Worsnop’s own journey through life. The placing of this song as the final track is pure genius. The upbeat cadence will capture the listeners’ attention, but Worsnop’s’ “throw caution the wind” vocals really makes this song memorable and share-worthy
I have to be honest, I had to listen to this album in its entirety three times in order to get to the point where I felt I could do an honest review. I spoke of my “What in the Worsnop” moments, and I pretty much was in a perpetual “What in the Worsnop” moment the entire time I listened to this album. Worsnop has shown he is capable of being a multi-genre master, which very few musicians ever master. I implore you to listen to this album like you have no idea who the artist is. You will thank me.
6 / 10
SKULLGURL METALCHICK