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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