For the very first time in my life, I caved. Normally, I'd sit back and patiently wait for my order to get here first, before even thinking about listening to more than the released singles. However, I just loved the first three so much, that I couldn't hold off any longer. It will still be as special when my order gets here though. I'll have the lyrics to soak-up, take in. soft lol, I'm going things a bit backwards, but it's been a very surreal and weird two years. Nothing has been
anywhere near normal.
I've listened to the three singles; "
Amundsen", "
Clean Horizon" and only just a few days ago (up 'til this morning), "
Unforgiven" (at least 100 times each). As for the rest of the album, I've only heard it once, so far. But I can tell you, that I love what I'm hearing lyrically and vocally, especially! It wasn't what I was expecting, but I'm pleased to say that I am more than pleasantly surprised.
For starters, it's much, much softer and sweeter sounding than monumental "
Navigating by the Stars". There's no "
Ocean Rising" equivalent on this record, well, in terms of immediacy, intensity, urgency. The new album "
Surrounded" is much more laid back and definitely (for the most part) much more summery-sounding, with regards to both vocal and musical execution, aural textures, and lyrics. For me, "
Navigating by the Stars" has more of an autumn / winter-ish kind of feel, vibe. I love both seasons, both albums. They're SO different, but good. I'm glad "Surrounded" has had a mid-spring release because we can further explore, savour and enjoy it throughout the coming summer.
My favourite things so far are Mr. Sullivan's sweeter, softer, hushed vocals. I love that he can be in your face, yet at times in your arms too, in equal measure. I hope JS continues testing, messing around and playing with the limits of his voice and its vocal spectrum, levels of gradation, intensity and softness of his voice vocal projection /
colours, etc. Sorry articulation is definitely not my forte, but I hope that makes some kind of sense.
I love that Mr. Sullivan's holding longer notes, vocally, on this record. I love the romanticism seeping into and out of most of the songs. It's at times lyrically, quite unexpectedly, yet refreshingly and seriously, exhilaratingly sensual. I was
not expecting that,
at all. But I have to admit, it's beyond wonderful to hear JS go down those kind of paths again. It's been far too long, I miss those kinds of songs of his.
With that, I'd like to send out a HUGE thank you to whomever it is out there in the world that has either encouraged Mr. Sullivan to go down that route, to go
there, or inspires him in those kinds of highly conducive and rich, sacred ways, resplendently wakes up and recharges that beautiful integral part of him. To say I love those moments in the songs is a complete understatement! Whatever Mr. Sullivan thinks he might've had as a young man, Mr. Sullivan
never lost
it along the way. I just wish JS was more sure of himself, comfortable with himself, in his own skin, in that department. And no, I do not
know him personally. I'm just callin' it, feelin' it as I'm seein' it, hearin' it. I don't know, but to me, it's as clear and transparent as daylight. JS is
absolutely lovely, really, even still. Stay beautiful, where and how it matters most Mr. Sullivan and everything else will fall naturally into place. You'll see.
I'm planning to come back to this thread, at some point, hopefully soon-ish. I just really want to listen to the songs / album as a whole, in its entirety, on a proper stereo system. Familiarising myself with the
correct lyrics first, before going into any other specifics, about songs and other related details that have taken me in, about Mr. Sullivan's follow-up solo effort, "
Surrounded".
Hope nothing gets lost in the mail. Last night, I signed up for
no contact delivery from DHL (ordered my bundles from Townsend). Who knows what's going to happen. I'm actually a bit nervous. Cost me roughly $90.00 CDN in duty fees. It'd kill me if they arrive damaged or worse yet, not at all.
I hope I didn't piss anyone here off
by including youtube links to all the songs / official videos from / off "
Surrounded" (on a previous post here in this very thread). If I have, I genuinely didn't mean to upset anyone, as today is the actual release date for streaming services as well. Hope you all enjoy both of the albums,
'it's been a long, a long time coming'. xxCalling for rain all day today, here. Hope it's nicer, better weather wherever you all are, today. Stay safe people.
