HERE & NOW
waas reviewed by a couple of leading US news networks!
LEGENDARY SINGER SONGWRITER IMPRESSES
WITH LATEST COLLECTION
MSNBC is the
widely-followed American cable news channel launched in
1996, under NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast. The network
offers a mix of news, original reporting, interviews, and
commentary, including this review of HERE & NOW by Rose
Wells.
Jeff Christie’s latest album, Here
& Now, released in September 2024, is a vibrant
confirmation of his five-decade career, blending the signature
sounds of his classic rock roots with fresh, contemporary
sensibilities. Best known for the iconic hit Yellow
River, Christie uses this album as an opportunity
to prove that his creative spirit is far from diminished.
With a track list that swings between introspection and
driving, road-ready anthems, Here
& Now captures the many facets of Christie’s
musical journey.
The opening track, Driving
Down to Memphis, sets the tone with a laid-back,
Americana-infused feel. Christie channels a kind of freedom
often associated with road trips, as his lyrics paint images
of cruising toward Graceland. There’s a nostalgic energy
in the melody, carried by breezy guitars and a steady groove,
making this song a perfect opener that both longtime fans
and newer listeners will appreciate.
Ordinary People
shifts gears into a more reflective space, grappling with
the ever-widening divide in society. Christie touches on
universal themes of inequality and the struggle to connect
amid life’s changes, with lyrics like “when the
rich get richer, and the poor get poorer, there’s an
ever-widening divide.” The melody has a poignant yet
hopeful undertone, with a steady beat that mirrors the song’s
focus on resilience and perseverance.
A standout on the album is One
in a Million, a track that showcases Christie’s
knack for storytelling. With introspective lyrics, Christie
dives into the complexities of personal identity and how
we measure our uniqueness in a vast world. The song’s
layered instrumentation, with a mix of acoustic and electric
elements, highlights Christie’s ability to evolve while
maintaining a classic sound.
Better By Now
is another deeply personal track, exploring relationships
through the lens of hindsight and wisdom. The song echoes
themes of growth and reconciliation, and Christie’s
voice, weathered but full of emotion, delivers lines like
“you know, and I know, that we should know better by
now” with a sense of hard-earned experience.
In contrast, tracks like Put
Your Money Down bring back Christie’s flair
for high-energy, blues-rock-inflected tunes. With its playful
swagger and gambling metaphors, the song is driven by rhythmic
hooks and a no-nonsense attitude that could easily find
a place on a barroom jukebox.
The album’s more introspective moments,
like Inside Looking Out and
Building Bridges, showcase
a mellower, reflective side of Christie. Inside
Looking Out in particular, with its lyrics about
confinement and introspection, adds a darker, almost confessional
tone to the record, making it one of the more somber and
emotionally resonant tracks.
Closing the album on a hopeful
note is For All Mankind, a
song that speaks to unity and shared humanity, with a message
that feels timely and relevant. The track blends acoustic
guitars with a lush arrangement, creating an uplifting and
poignant end to the album.
Overall,
Here & Now is an impressive
collection that highlights Jeff Christie’s versatility
and enduring talent. His ability to craft songs that speak
to both personal and collective experiences, while also
updating his sound for a modern audience, shows that he
is as relevant today as he was when he first hit the charts.
Fans
of classic rock and thoughtful, well-crafted songwriting
will find much to appreciate in this album, a solid addition
to Christie’s storied discography.
A JOURNEY THROUGH HERE AND NOW
As part of the
broader ABC News division of the American Broadcasting Company
(ABC), ABC News Now operates as a live-streaming platform
accessible via cable, satellite, and digital services. This
review is by Jaye Wells.
The 13-track collection feels like a nostalgic road trip
while also pushing forward with contemporary sensibilities.
Jeff Christie, at his core, is both a traveler and a philosopher,
themes deeply embedded in Here &
Now. The album’s crisp production allows each
track to breathe, delivering melodies and words that linger
long after the final note fades.
The album is packed
with vivid storytelling and lyrical gems. Christie’s
themes of freedom, redemption, and self-discovery shine
through.
>> Standout tracks <<
Driving Down to Memphis
Opening the album with a sun-soaked Americana
vibe, this track immediately sets the tone. Christie’s
smooth delivery and vivid imagery place listeners on a highway
of dreams. The combination of laid-back guitar rhythms and
anthemic choruses makes this a standout.
Ordinary People
A powerful reflection on societal divides
and shared humanity, Ordinary People
resonates as both a social commentary and a hopeful anthem.
The storytelling here is intimate yet universal, underscored
by a mellow yet driving rhythm.
One in a Million
This soaring ballad of introspection showcases Christie’s
lyrical mastery. The lines “How can I learn to be one
in a million?” capture his knack for fusing vulnerability
with ambition. A sweeping melody and thoughtful arrangement
make this track unforgettable.
Better By Now
With an effortless mix of soulful guitar
and reflective lyricism, this songexplores the complexities
of relationships with refreshing honesty. The refrain, “We
should know better by now,” rings true as Christie
examines love’s triumphs and failures.
Building Bridges
Perhaps the album’s emotional centerpiece,
Building Bridges is a plea
for reconciliation and unity. Christie’s hopeful message,
“If we start building bridges, we can cross that great
divide,” feels especially timely, offering a much-needed
sense of optimism.
Put Your Money Down
With swagger and grit, Put
Your Money Down adds a dose of old-school rock ’n’
roll energy. Christie’s playful lyrics and driving
rhythms make this track a nod to his roots while showcasing
his versatility.
>> Final thoughts <<
With Here &
Now, Jeff Christie proves that great music transcends
generations. The album’s soulful introspection, poetic
lyrics, and compelling melodies make it an essential listen
for fans both old and new. It’s not just a return to
form for Christie – it’s a testament to his enduring
artistry and passion.
For those seeking music that inspires,
moves, and reflects life’s complexities, Here
& Now delivers in spades. This album is more
than a collection of songs; it’s a statement from a
legendary artist who continues to write, sing, and live
with unyielding purpose.
Rating: 4.5/5
